• Dr. Michael Yuan (he/him) - Assistant Professor

    I am an evolutionary ecologist and molecular ecologist. My research focuses on understanding the generation and maintenance of phenotypic and genetic diversity through ecological selection and conservation genomics of reptiles and amphibians. I approach the study of biodiversity as inherently integrative, combining genomic, epigenomic, morphological, and ecological techniques. I am a Canadian, a Californian, and in my free time I enjoy backpacking, video games, and cooking.

    2021 PhD University of California, Berkeley

    2014 BS Cornell University

    CV | Google Scholar | m.yuan@tcu.edu

  • Sheridan Smith - Undergraduate

    I am pursuing a B.A. in Biology on the pre-med track, with a minor in Spanish for the Health Professions. I am a member of the Honors College, where I am developing ideas for my future honors thesis. Broadly, I am interested in how urbanization influences lizard populations and their pathogen profiles, and I hope to contribute to research that connects ecological and molecular perspectives. I am originally from Roseville, California, and I love spending time near the beach. In my free time, I enjoy baking, exploring new restaurants, and going to concerts.

  • Emma Augustyn - Undergraduate

    I am a Biology major on the pre-dental track with a minor in Spanish for the Health Professions. In the lab, I assist with data collection for projects that examine how environmental variation and species interactions influence population dynamics. Through this work, I have developed a strong interest in how ecological change shapes genetic diversity within species. I am particularly interested in research on tortoise populations and how disturbances such as wildfires may influence long-term genetic patterns and population resilience. I am from Excelsior, Minnesota, and I love being out on the lake, trying new coffee shops with friends, and reading in my free time.

  • You?

    The lab is recruiting! Contact Dr. Yuan if you are interested in working with us.