Molecular tools are changing our perception of biological diversity.  In our lab, we are using a suite of molecular tools to understand patterns of biological diversity, at both the population and the species level, and to shed light on the factors that influence genetic variation and diversification. Students in our lab are using molecular markers to 1) identify species and units of conservation, 2) test hypotheses regarding the demographic history of populations, 3) delineate species boundaries, and 4) understand factors that promote speciation and diversification.  We apply a diversity of molecular tools to address these questions including Sanger and next-generation sequencing, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, microsatellite genotyping, and environmental DNA (eDNA) detection. Research in our lab is focused on a diversity of both marine and freshwater organisms including snapping shrimp, crayfish, salamanders, and freshwater fishes. Much of our work has direct implications for the conservation and management of at-risk and endangered species. If are interested in undergraduate or graduate research opportunities or are looking for potential collaborations please send your emails to churt@tntech.edu.