Professor Sharon Jansa

This research revolves around questions in mammalian systematics, phylogeography, and evolution. The researchers are particularly interested in characterizing how mammalian radiations unfold on different temporal and spatial scales, and inferring how geographic processes influence mammalian diversification. Recently, this research has taken a new direction into examining the molecular basis of adaptive evolution to snake-venom resistance in mammals. The group focuses on three different systems — New World opossums, the rodents of Madagascar, and Philippine rodents — each of which allows them to explore various aspects of mammalian diversity, diversification, and adaptation.