Welcome to the Moran Lab in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at the University of Chicago!

Our lab combines behavioral research with various -omic technologies to understand the adaptive and mechanistic underpinnings of complex trait evolution and species diversification. Our overarching goal is to test fundamental hypotheses in neuroethology and evolutionary biology using natural populations (often stream fishes). We are also particularly interested in leveraging systems that exhibit repeated evolution of similar phenotypes to infer the neural and genetic basis of complex adaptive traits and the predictability of the evolutionary process.

We are committed to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.

Please get in touch if interested in joining our group.

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bluesky: @rachelmoran.bsky.social