معرفی
Clifford W. Zeyl is a Professor of Biology at Wake Forest University, where he conducts research in evolutionary genetics and animal behavior. His academic background includes a B.S. from the University of Guelph (1989), and both an M.S. and Ph.D. from McGill University (1992, 1996). He is based in Winston Hall and leads an active research laboratory.
- BS, University of Guelph (1989)
- MS, McGill University (1992)
- Ph.D., McGill University (1996)
Dr. Zeyl's research has evolved from experimental evolution in budding yeast to cognitive studies in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus). His early work focused on mutation accumulation, recombination, and the evolution of sex in yeast populations. Since 2019, his lab has shifted to investigating learning, memory, and behavioral personalities in snakes, exploring how their unique physiology and sensory biology influence cognition. His interests include evolutionary genetics, animal behavior, sensory ecology, and experimental evolution.
His most recent publications reflect a transition from yeast genetics to broader evolutionary and behavioral themes. The research trend shows a consistent focus on experimental evolution and genetic mechanisms, now applied to reptilian cognitive ecology. Topics include pleiotropy, mutational meltdown, mating isolation, and mitochondrial genome evolution in yeast, followed by explorations of behavioral individuality and learning in snakes.
There are no explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text.
While no students are listed, Dr. Zeyl leads a research lab with a colony of 16 corn snakes, indicating mentorship and supervision of undergraduate and potentially graduate researchers. No specific grants are mentioned, but his ongoing research suggests active funding support.
His current lab focuses on snake cognition, utilizing controlled behavioral experiments to study learning, memory, scent-based social interactions, and personality traits in corn snakes. The research environment emphasizes ethical conduct, collaboration, and respect among lab members and the broader academic community.
