My research is aimed at understanding the evolution of the elaborate plumage coloration found in the New World blackbirds (Icteridae). Particularly, I am interested in testing whether species evolve similar coloration using similar mechanisms (parallelism) or different mechanisms (convergence). To accomplish this, my project focuses on reconstructing the evolution of carotenoid pigmentation using species sampled from across Icteridae. I have been using reflectance spectrometry to measure color objectively on museum specimens, and I have been collaborating with Kevin McGraw at ASU to identify carotenoid pigments extracted from blackbird feathers.
Lastly, I have been using comparative methods in R to study macroevolutionary trends in color evolution across the blackbirds and other songbirds.

My previous work has involved reconstructing the evolution of song characteristics in orioles, and a recent study documenting a correlation between the evolution of migration and sexual dichromatism in orioles.

You can download my CV here.