Dr. Jeff McKinnon
My laboratory investigates the processes that cause and maintain variation in nature, both within species and in the formation of species. This summer I anticipate that my laboratory will be focusing on the mechanistic and evolutionary causes of male-like red throat coloration in females of some populations (but not others) of threespine stickleback fish (McKinnon et al. 2000). We are investigating the hormonal correlates of such coloration (in collaboration with the Davis lab); the fitness consequences, in terms of mate choice, competition for mates, resource competition and predation; and the molecular genetics of female throat coloration (in collaboration with the Peichel laboratory, Washington). In several of our studies we model color pattern conspicuousness using perceptual models of stickleback vision based on MSP data collected largely by another of our collaborators, visual physiologist Ellis Loew (Cornell). These studies are readily compartmentalized into smaller projects and conducted mainly in the laboratory, although some fieldwork in Western North America may be pursued. In addition, members of my lab may be able to spend some time working with a colleague who designs video games, Elena Bertozze, on an interactive game to learn frog calls—they need some help with the biology.