I’m Jade Mellor (she/her), a PhD Candidate in the Dolby lab. I study the speciation and hybridization dynamics of two tortoise species along an ecological gradient. I use genomic tools to investigate how the species are adapted to their environments, what are potential genetic drivers of reproductive isolation, and how/if the hybrids are adapted to their environment. I also plan on researching epigenetic responses to wildfires in desert tortoises. Broadly speaking I’m interested in using multi-omic tools to study adaptation and gene family evolution, and science policy. In my spare time I’m an aspiring Alabama Master Naturalist and enjoy reading and cooking.
Faculty Advisor: Greer Dolby