David Toews

David Toews is the Louis Martarano Career Development Professor and Associate Professor of Biology at Pennsylvania State University's Department of Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, genomics, and molecular ecology, particularly in avian systems. He leads the Toews Lab, which investigates hybrid zones, genomic data integration, and the ecological drivers of speciation in wood warblers. His work combines genomic analyses with phenotypic, behavioral, and biogeographic data to explore evolutionary processes.

Education: PhD (2009–2014) from the University of British Columbia; MSc (2005–2007) and BSc (2001–2005) from Acadia University. Postdoctoral training at Cornell University (2014–2018).

Research Interests: Hybrid zones, avian speciation, genomic architecture of reproductive isolation, migratory behavior, and conservation genetics. Key projects include studying contact zones in North American wood warblers and linking genomic variation to ecological adaptation.

Scientific Awards: Louis Martarano Career Development Professorship (a prestigious endowed chair supporting early-career faculty).

Lab and Affiliations: Director of the Toews Lab, affiliated with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State. Current studies address microbiome-host interactions, carotenoid coloration genetics, and migratory connectivity in birds.