About the Lab
Taking a multi-pronged approach to understand and quantify spatial eco-evolutionary dynamics
Christopher
Weiss-Lehman, Ph.d.
Dr. Christoper “Topher” Weiss-Lehman is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wyoming. His research combines laboratory microcosms with theoretical models to better understand the eco-evolutionary dynamics of moving populations and the contexts in which rapid evolution can help or hinder conservation efforts. He is dedicated to uncovering the role of rapid evolutionary changes in a spatial context, particularly for range expansions of invasive species and in climate-induced range shifts.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Topher finds joy in the mountains, whether hiking and camping in the summer or skiing in the winter. When he's not playing outdoors, he enjoys boardgames, reading, and hanging out with his family and pets.
Meet the Team
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Amy Patterson
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a theoretical ecologist with broad research interests including the effects of eco-evolutionary processes on biotic interactions in range shifts, and the consequences of nonlinear dynamics on ecological systems. I completed my PhD at Case Western Reserve University and joined the Modelscapes Consortium at UW.
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John Benning
Postdoctoral Fellow
I study species' range limits, adaptation, and the ecology and evolution of species' interactions. I began my position as a NSF Postdoctoral Fellow with the Weiss-Lehman and Hufbaur labs in September 2020 after finishing my PhD at the University of Minnesota.
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Qingyu Gan
Graduate Student
I have a broad interest in conservation biology, with a particular focus on how biotic and abiotic factors affect the species’ spatial population dynamics. I am excited to use modeling approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms of species' eco-evolutionary dynamics.
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Spencer Holtz
Graduate Student
My research stems from my love of the natural world, and interest in the evolutionary dynamics of different species. I’m excited by the advent of new genetic technologies that will give us a much more in depth understanding of evolutionary processes.
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Isabelle Spivey
Undergraduate Researcher
I am an undergraduate with a major in environmental system sciences, and environment and natural resources with a minor in wildlife biology. I love the ocean and hope to work with marine ecosystems in the future. I enjoy salt water fishing, skiing, rafting, and traveling.
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Sammy Veauthier
Undergraduate Researcher
I am an undergraduate majoring in Zoology. After graduating, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a career in Zoology or Wildlife Biology-based research. Outside of school, I like to fly fish, read, and cross-country ski. I am on the Nordic Ski team here at UW.
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Sergio Pérez
Graduate Student
I am an evolutionary biologist fascinated with biodiversity, so my long-term research goal is to understand how living organisms adapt and evolve in the context of complex environmental conditions. I'm excited to test phenotypic plasticity's role in range expansions and rapid evolution in Tribolium castaneum.
Our Lab Values:
Respect
The most important core value for our team is respect. We foster respectful communication within the lab and show respect to all members by maintaining a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Engagement
We encourage all lab members to be actively engaged with our meetings, lab projects, and individual projects. This comes in many forms, from being prepared for lab meetings to being ready and willing to provide constructive feedback another’s project when requested. It also includes engagement with the department and program to foster an active and productive community of ecology and evolution researchers.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance means that work on your own projects and engagement with the lab and department doesn’t come at the expense of a personal life. Laramie is a fun community and a beautiful location to be enjoyed by lab members!
