معرفی
Robert Cox is a Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia, specializing in the ecology, evolution, and physiology of wild animal populations, particularly lizards. His research integrates long-term field studies, controlled breeding experiments, and molecular approaches to explore how shared genomes give rise to sexually dimorphic phenotypes through interactions between genes, hormones, and environmental factors.
- Research Focus: Natural and sexual selection, hormonal regulation of gene expression, intralocus sexual conflict, and physiological adaptation in reptiles.
- Awards & Grants: Secured NSF funding for projects on sex-biased gene evolution and parasite fitness impacts. Mentored students who received NSF fellowships and awards.
His lab has produced numerous high-impact publications on topics ranging from sperm evolution to hormone-mediated genetic covariance, often in collaboration with institutions like Virginia Tech, University of Michigan, and Auburn University. Recent work highlights the role of testosterone in shaping sex differences in gene expression and the fitness consequences of parasitism across mating systems.
Students mentored by Cox include PhD and undergraduate researchers such as Aaron Reedy, Ariel Kahrl, and Tyler Wittman. The Cox Lab also engages in science education initiatives through the Evolution Education Program, hosting teacher workshops at Mountain Lake Biological Station.
