Toby Spribille

Toby Spribille is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on lichen symbiosis, evolution, ecology, and systematics with an emphasis on understanding evolutionary transitions in symbiotic relationships. He employs genomics, transcriptomics, and microscopy to study cellular-level interactions in lichen thalli. His work also addresses conservation priorities in Alberta's lichen diversity.

Research Interests:

• Evolutionary transitions in symbiotic fungi
• Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of lichen symbionts
• Cryptic speciation and biodiversity in lichens
• Conservation biology of boreal and alpine ecosystems
• Microbial interactions in symbiotic networks

Recent Focus Areas:

• Functional genomics of symbiotic adaptation
• Global microbial diversity in lichen metagenomes
• Ecological impacts of climate change on lichen communities

Advising & Grants: No formal student advising or grant information is listed in available records. His research has been supported through institutional resources and collaborative projects.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in lichenology, genomics, and conservation biology, though specific lab affiliations are not explicitly stated in the provided materials.