Department of Biology: College of Sciences

Dr. Gaither’s research focuses on the evolution, ecology and origin of biodiversity in marine fishes.  The Gaither Lab employs an interdisciplinary approach combining molecular tools (genome sequencing, RADSeq, and targeted capture) with field-based studies to determine how species form and the roles of geographic isolation, ecological differentiation and selection in lineage diversification. Ongoing projects involve deep-sea grenadiers, hawkfishes and surgeonfishes.  Her lab also investigates the utility of eDNA as a biogeographic tool to identify patterns of biodiversity, study species distributions and evaluate anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems.