Assistant Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology
My research seeks to understand how evolutionary forces have produced the patterns of biodiversity we observe in the Tree of Life. I am intensely motivated by the wide array of evolutionary questions that can be addressed with complex, biologically-realistic models of evolution applied to molecular, morphological, and paleontological data. Because of this, my research program focuses on developing and applying computational methods for understanding evolutionary processes in a phylogenetic context. My primary approach to developing phylogenetic tools is to apply new statistical models as priors using Bayesian inference methods. In particular, I am a developer for RevBayes, a software program for Bayesian inference of evolutionary parameters including (but not limited to) phylogeny, divergence times, rates of character evolution, population dynamics, rates of selection across a genome, and patterns of species diversification.
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About Tracy Heath
My research seeks to understand how evolutionary forces have produced the patterns of biodiversity we observe in the Tree of Life. I am intensely motivated by the wide array of evolutionary questions that can be addressed with complex, biologically-realistic models of evolution applied to molecular, morphological, and paleontological data. Because of this, my research program focuses on developing and applying computational methods for understanding evolutionary processes in a phylogenetic context. My primary approach to developing phylogenetic tools is to apply new statistical models as priors using Bayesian inference methods. In particular, I am a developer for RevBayes, a software program for Bayesian inference of evolutionary parameters including (but not limited to) phylogeny, divergence times, rates of character evolution, population dynamics, rates of selection across a genome, and patterns of species diversification.
| Present | Assistant Professor, Iowa State University ‐ Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
Courses
- BIOL 211 Principles of Biology I
| 2008 | PhD, University of Texas at Austin ‐ Ecology, Evolution and Behavior | |
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| 2000 | BA, Boston University ‐ Biology | |
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Contact Information
243 Bessey
2200 Osborn Dr
Ames, IA 50011
515-294-3931
Email:
