Our research focuses on evolutionary biology, genomics, and molecular ecology, primarily—but not exclusively—in avian systems. The principal investigator—David Toews—is an Assistant Professor in Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University.  Much of our work relies on combining genomic data with other phenotypic, behavioral, and biogeographic information to make inferences about evolutionary processes. We take advantage of the replicated patterns in species radiations, particularly the continental radiation of New World warblers, and our field research has focused on studying contact zones and hybrids zones of wood warblers in North America.

We are slowly building a research lab; please see the Prospective Researchers section of this website for more information, or contact us via email about any interest in graduate or postdoctoral mentorship.