Wayne Maddison

Dr. Wayne Maddison is a Professor in the Departments of Botany and Zoology at the University of British Columbia, within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on jumping spider systematics, phylogenetic theory, and computational biology. He is known for contributions to software like Mesquite and MacClade, aiding phylogenetic analysis. His work integrates empirical studies of spider diversity with theoretical advancements in evolutionary inference.

Key research areas include evolutionary and ecological theory, systematics, and biodiversity conservation. Maddison has led expeditions to diverse regions like Siberia, Mexico, and Madagascar, discovering new species and documenting spider behavior. His lab emphasizes the intersection of fieldwork, morphology, and molecular data to understand arthropod evolution.

Publications span spider phylogeny, taxonomic revisions, and methodological innovations in systematics. Collaborative projects include global phylogenomic studies of jumping spiders and reclassification efforts within the Salticidae family. His work bridges traditional taxonomy with computational tools, advancing both empirical and theoretical aspects of evolutionary biology.