Current Research

The relationships among Threadfins (Polynemidae)

Current Research

Anatomical and genetic evolution of Archerfishes (Toxotidae)

Current Research

Larval morphology and integrative taxonomy

Current Research

Transitions between marine and freshwater habitats

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Publications

My research focuses on the natural history of perch-like fishes and I use integrative approaches, including genotypic, phenotypic, spatial, and temporal data, to inform our understanding of their evolutionary history. A few featured publications are listed here, with a more inclusive list linked above. Feel free to contact me for more details about my work or publications.

Archerfishes (Toxotidae) are variously found in the fresh- and brackish-water environments of Asia Pacific and are well known for their …
DOI

Threadfins (Teleostei: Polynemidae) are a group of fishes named for their elongated and threadlike pectoral-fin rays. These fishes are …
DOI

In this study, we performed combined analyses of new and previously identified discrete morphological characters and new and previously …
PDF DOI

Teaching, Mentoring, and DEI

I enjoy being in a classroom and have a passion for teaching. I have been lucky enough to play a role in the education of thousands of students, primarily at the University of Kansas, in introductory-level biology courses and advanced courses in systematics and the history and diversity of life. I look to continue to grow in my approach, invest my time toward students’ learning both inside and outside of the classroom, and to provide support and opportunities for them to succeed in their academics and life afterwards. As a first-generation academic, I was lucky to have exceptional mentorship from teaching assistants and senior researchers who taught me a great deal through classroom and research experiences. I look to provide all, but especially those from under-represented groups, such as first-generation scholars, opportunities to pursue their passions. Please contact me if you are interested in research opportunities. Explore my CV section for up-to-date teaching information.

Collecting fishes in Taiwan

Two Sharptail mola, Masturus lanceolatus, in a market

Diving in the Caribbean

Hello from below⁩

Collecting fishes in Taiwan

The coast of Hengchun Township

Collecting fishes of the San Diego Trough

Our vessel for the trip, R/V Robert Gordon Sproul⁩

Collecting fishes in Taiwan

Picking through fishes in Donggang Township⁩

Diving in the Caribbean

Honeycomb Cowfish, Acanthostracion polygonius ⁩

Collecting fishes of the San Diego Trough

Sunset over the Pacific⁩

Diving in the Caribbean

Juvenile Queen Angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris ⁩

Collecting fishes of the San Diego Trough

The take from a trawl⁩

Diving in the Caribbean

Hiding Graysby, Cephalopholis cruentata, at night⁩

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Photography

I feel the most creative behind the camera and trying new techniques to capture the best image I can. These images of cleared-and-double-stained specimens are some of my favorites. Images on a white background were taken under white or natural light and show the stained bones and cartilage of the specimens. Images on a black background were taken under royal blue light and show the autofluorescence of the red stain, as shown by Smith et al. (2018) and in many of my publications. I have had the honor of my photos being featured by Nature as one of the best science images of the year in 2018, by National Geographic, and by the Bruce Museum in their exhibit Under the Skin (February 1–November 29, 2020). All should feel free to reach out to me about my methodology or any of my images.

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