Gavin Woodruff

Gavin Woodruff is an Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma, affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Biology. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Georgia State University. His research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology, genetics, and genomics, particularly investigating the genetic basis of phenotypic diversity in Caenorhabditis inopinata, a close relative of C. elegans. His lab explores how genetic changes influence developmental processes, morphological variation, and genetic diversity maintenance.

Woodruff’s work integrates genetic, genomic, computational, and field approaches, leveraging C. inopinata’s unique ecological context in figs and its association with fig wasps. He actively recruits graduate students interested in evolutionary genetics and ecological interactions. His lab is located in Richards Hall at the University of Oklahoma.

Key research themes include the genetic drivers of developmental changes, environmental influences on adaptation, and the evolutionary origins of life history traits. Recent studies have addressed genomic diversity patterns, gene loss impacts, and phenotypic plasticity in response to ecological shifts.

Lab members include Austin Link, Kim Chittlin, and others. While no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects contributions to evolutionary biology and genomics. Ongoing projects involve microbial community analysis in fig environments and the genetic basis of dispersal strategies in nematodes.