Dr. Carla Hurt (Associate Professor, Biology)
I am interested in processes of speciation and diversification and the implications that these processes have on conservation of biodiversity. Specific aims of my research include: 1) identifying taxonomic lineages and cryptic diversity, 2) reconstructing the phylogenetic history and geographic context of species radiations, 3) examining the ecological and developmental factors that promote and sustain diversity and 4) assessing the geographic structure of genetic variation within habitats. To address these questions, I employ a wide diversity of molecular tools including DNA sequencing and genotyping as well as next-generation tools such as transcriptome sequencing and reduced genome sequencing.
Learn more about my research here.
Students
Zoe Wills – M.S. Student
My research explores the interconnection of bats on faunal biodiversity within cave ecosystems. I will be researching in the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee. By using molecular tools as an alternative to traditional sampling techniques, I aim to conduct biological surveys with reduced harm to the cave ecosystem. The data gathered will be compiled and used to make management decisions by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). I have a passion for conserving the environment and look forward to starting this new endeavor.
Miranda Gaupp – Ph.D. Student
Genomics approaches offer exciting opportunities to drastically improve conservation efforts through filling in knowledge gaps related to species ecology, gene flow, and genetic diversity. I am passionate about learning and applying genomics and bioinformatic techniques to answer ecological and evolutionary questions that are unattainable through field work alone. With that, I am excited to continue to play a part in conservation genomics efforts through my work in the Hurt lab. I received a Master of Science in Biology from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia after obtaining a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. I look forward to continuing my formal education through Tennessee Tech’s Ph.D. program starting in Spring 2023. During my time at Tn Tech, I will be applying ‘omics approaches to study the Tennessee Streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri). Specifically, I will be investigating population genetic structure and genetic diversity within and between populations of this species throughout its southern range as well as how these genetic components relate to environmental and landscape factors. Ultimately, this work will be in effort to inform and improve conservation management of the species in Tennessee.
JT Thompson – M.S. Student
I am an M.S. student studying the impact of urbanization and genetic diversity of the Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) using landscape genomics.