معرفی
Chris Hamilton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. He directs the Arthropod Molecular Systematics Lab, focusing on evolutionary biology research with field studies across the American Southwest and Mexico.
Education includes:
- Ph.D. from Auburn University
- M.S. from University of Texas at Arlington
- B.A. from Western Kentucky University
His research integrates phylogenomics, morphometrics, and field ecology to understand arthropod diversification patterns. Key interests include: tarantula systematics, bat-moth coevolutionary dynamics, climate change impacts on insect distributions, and body size evolution in spiders. The research employs genomic sequencing, geometric morphometrics, and behavioral experiments.
Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on: arthropod phylogenomics, taxonomic revisions of tarantulas, diel-niche evolution in moths, and STEM education initiatives integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Article keywords frequently include phylogenetics, adaptation, and systematics across entomological contexts.
Awards section: No specific scientific awards mentioned in source materials.
Advising includes three PhD students: Karina Silvestre Bringas (Aphonopelma taxonomy), Erik Ciaccio (Antrodiaetus systematics), and Arnau Calatayud Mascarell (Euagrus diversity). Major grants include NSF CAREER award for Sky Islands biodiversity research.
Leads the Arthropod Molecular Systematics Lab with lab manager Andrea Noble Stuen and postdoctoral researcher Ethan Briggs. Conducts extensive fieldwork in Madrean Sky Islands ecoregion and maintains collaborations with tribal communities for STEM education.
