Lauren Oliver
Area(s) of Expertise: Herpetology, Phylogenetic Systematics, Taxonomy, Biogeography, Evolutionary Biology (Advising Area of Expertise: Pre-Veterinarian)
Area(s) of Expertise: Herpetology, Phylogenetic Systematics, Taxonomy, Biogeography, Evolutionary Biology (Advising Area of Expertise: Pre-Veterinarian)
Dr. Oliver is interested in elucidating patterns of herpetological biodiversity in the tropics, especially in New Guinea. For her dissertation, she used molecular, morphologic, and geographic data to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships, delineate species richness, and revise the taxonomy of Ranidae in Melanesia. Dr. Oliver is also interested in the historic processes (e.g., geologic events) that have influenced modern species diversity and ranges, and thus uses biogeographic methods to estimate timing and pacing of speciation.
Dr. Oliver grew up on the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Alabama. She loves traveling (for research and leisure), hiking, camping, kayaking, road tripping, cooking, and practicing yoga.