WSUsbs

Devin M. Drown

Ph.D. Candidate


cougar

snail hunter

Research

My research interests are focused on coevolutionary interactions, particularly host-parasite interactions.  I’m interested in the effect of dispersal (or migration) on coevolutionary interactions.  I am also interested in how the local patterns of interaction between host and parasite (e.g. local adaptation) can scale up and lead to patterns of host specificity.  My thesis research is divided into two main areas: empirical work on Potamopyrgus antipodarum and theory work on the evolution of migration. (read more)

I'm now an IGERT trainee!  I've been accepted into the IGERT Program in Evolutionary Modeling (IPEM).  This is a joint training program between Washington State University and University of Washington.  It also incorporates both Biology and Anthropology departments in addressing "Model-based Approaches to Biological and Cultural Evolution."

Recent Publications

Gomulkiewicz R, Drown DM, Dybdahl MF, Godsoe W, Nuismer SL, Pepin KM, Ridenhour BJ, Smith CI, and Yoder JB. 2007.  Do’s and Don’ts of testing the geographic mosaic theory of coeveolution. Heredity 98: 249-258. LINK

Meekan MG, Vigliola L, Doherty PJ, Drown DM, Jones E, and Barber PH. 2007.  Genetic identity determines risk of post-settlement mortality in a coral reef fish.  Ecology 88: 1263-1277. LINK

Books on my desk

Some of these are there for reference and  some I'm trying to work my way through.  I think one of best semesters in graduate school has been the one where I was taking three seminars simultaneously each reading a different book  (Evolutionary Theory by SH Rice, Species Invasions ed by DF Sax, JJ Stachowicz, and SD Gaines, and Speciation by JA Coyne and HA Orr).  The amount I learned was surely greater than the sum of the parts.  Also, I've really been enjoying many of the books in the Monographs in Population Biology series from Princeton University press.

Postdoctoral future?

I don't think it's ever too early to start thinking about postdoctoral positions.  Eventually I'll finish my degree and I know the next step is finding a new place to call home for a few years.  I've recently seen some good articles that offer some great adivce.


Contact Info

School of Biological Sciences
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-4236
509-335-7914
drown(at)wsu.edu