Theoretical models of ecological and evolutionary dynamics

While we strive to ground our research in empirical data, either through laboratory microcosms or statistical models applied to field datasets, often theoretical models provide the best path to fully exploring a given hypothesis. Theoretical models can be used to extend empirical results to a broader range of conditions and thus provide a more thorough understanding of the hypothesis. They can also be used to test a hypothesis across a range of controlled conditions not possible with any single experimental system (e.g. modeling different mating systems or genetic architectures within the same framework). In our lab, we develop both analytical and simulation based models to explore ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations and communities. Whenever possible, we pair these models with empirical data to provide a stronger foundation for our research.

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