Anyi Mazo-Vargas

Anyi Mazo-Vargas is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Cornell University (2020) and previously served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at George Washington University (2020–2023). Her research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), particularly in butterflies and moths, investigating genetic mechanisms driving morphological diversity and adaptive traits like color patterns. Key areas include long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), Wnt signaling pathways, and cis-regulatory elements in wing pattern evolution.

Her work has been supported by grants such as the NIH-funded 'Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology.' She leads the Mazo-Vargas Lab, dedicated to uncovering how genetic changes shape developmental processes and contribute to evolutionary adaptations. Notable contributions include studies on the role of lncRNAs in seasonal coloration and Wnt signaling in wing pattern formation.

Publications span high-impact journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and eLife, reflecting her expertise in genomic, developmental, and evolutionary biology. Her lab integrates functional genomics, comparative genomics, and experimental embryology to address fundamental questions in biodiversity and adaptation.