Dr. Felix A.H. Sperling > Professor
Contact
Room: ES 208B, Biological Sciences
Phone: (780) 492-3991
Fax: (780) 492-9234
Email: felix.sperling@ualberta.ca
Academic Training
BSc: University of Alberta
MSc: University of Alberta
PhD: Cornell University
Previous Academic Experience
Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Ottawa ,
1991-1994
Assist. Prof.: University of California, Berkeley, 1994-1999
Current Research Interests
Research Breadth
Research in my lab encompasses
processes of evolution ranging from the diversification of major insect lineages
to the formation of species boundaries. Our work on patterns of arthropod biodiversity
also provides basic training for taxonomists at a time when their numbers are
declining but their expertise is more important than ever before. In addition
to extensive use of DNA sequences, we use morphological data and phylogenetic
analysis, complemented by internet-accessible keys and databases. We are building
a foundation for understanding phenomena like plant-insect coevolution, the
historical biogeography of endangered communities, and the interaction of genomic
architecture with speciation. We also contribute to faunal inventories that
are designed to support conservation, agriculture and forestry by facilitating
more responsible use of natural resources.
Current Projects
We have ongoing projects on tortricid (Choristoneura) and pyralid (Dioryctria) moths that are major pests of forest trees across North America. Other projects in the lab include studies of moth taxonomy, phylogeny of swallowtail butterflies, gene flow in ecologically sensitive grassland insects, hybrid zone structure in water striders, and phylogeography of economically important beetles.
More information is available in the Sperling Lab Page.
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Last Modified:2007-05-28 |