معرفی
Philip Lavretsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), within the College of Science. His research focuses on interdisciplinary studies in population and evolutionary genomics, addressing questions related to speciation, adaptation, and conservation. Key research areas include genomic consequences of hybridization in waterfowl, particularly mallard complexes, and the role of gene flow in shaping genetic diversity. Dr. Lavretsky employs next-generation sequencing techniques and integrates ecological and phenotypic data to understand adaptive landscapes and inform conservation strategies.
His work involves projects such as analyzing hybridization dynamics between wild and domesticated mallards, studying the genetic structure of New Zealand grey ducks, and investigating the movement ecology of Mexican ducks. He leads the Lavretsky Lab, which emphasizes collaborative, field-based research and has been awarded a $1 million NSF grant for hybridization studies. His lab also contributes to biodiversity collections and public engagement through outreach initiatives.
Research Interests
- Population and landscape genomics
- Hybridization and introgression
- Conservation genetics of waterfowl
- Adaptive evolution in avian species
Awards
- NSF Grant ($1 Million, 2025): Supports research on hybridization impacts in mallard populations.
Grants & Collaborations
Dr. Lavretsky collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian and has secured funding for projects on mallard hybrid swarms, Mexican duck ecology, and genomic tools for conservation management. His lab’s work bridges basic research with applied conservation outcomes.
Labs & Teams
The Lavretsky Lab at UTEP fosters interdisciplinary approaches to evolutionary genomics, with ongoing projects in North America, New Zealand, and Hawaii. The lab actively engages undergraduate and graduate students in fieldwork and genomic analyses.
