Robert Wayne

Robert Wayne is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on the application of molecular genetic techniques to questions in systematics, population genetics, and sociobiology. He has contributed extensively to conservation biology, particularly in understanding genetic variation, hybridization, and evolutionary processes in endangered species.

• Current affiliations: UCLA, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Key research areas: Conservation genetics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, biodiversity conservation

His recent work includes studies on DNA methylation in island foxes, genome assemblies for bats, and the genomic impacts of urbanization on wildlife. He has co-advised Stella Yuan, a first-year Ph.D. student at UCLA, who uses genomic and epigenomic tools to address conservation challenges in small or declining populations.

Scientific awards include the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award, highlighting his innovative contributions to environmental science. Wayne has led or co-led numerous high-impact studies, such as a $10 million California conservation project, and his publications span top journals like Nature and Science.