Ryan Lab Research

Our lab investigates the evolution of biodiversity. We integrate genomics and phylogenetics with a wide array of other fields, including physiology, developmental biology, systematics, behavior, ecology, and neuroscience. We work on a wide range of invertebrates (mostly marine) including ctenophores, cnidarians, sea cucumbers, sponges, placozoans, tunicates, flat worms, sea urchins, brittle stars, sea stars, bryozoans, annelids, phoronids, and horseshoe crabs.

Our laboratory possesses a strong interdisciplinary focus, drawing on a diverse range of expertise. We are also highly collaborative, and we actively engage with outstanding researchers from across the globe. By actively harnessing the collective knowledge and skills of our group members and collaborators we approach exciting scientific unknowns from various angles and with different perspectives. This approach is enriched by our emphasis on the fundamental principles of evolution and genomics, allowing us to synthesize collaborative findings. We learn a lot from our collaborators and have a lot of fun in the process!