Cody W. Edwards, Ph.D

Dr. Edwards' research interests include systematics, molecular phylogenetics, conservation genetics, and evolution in vertebrates with special interests given to mammalian systems. Current research projects include the ecology, evolution, and conservation of native rodents in the Galapagos Islands, with special interest in the role of introduced species (e.g. Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, and Mus musculus) in the decline and extinction of native rodents.

Other projects examine hybrid zones between genetically distinct taxa, isolating mechanisms, and the dynamics of genetic introgression, applications of geometric morphometrics to studies of phylogeny and ontogeny of mammals, growth. Dr. Edwards is also involved with the utilization of natural history collections, especially those pertaining to mammals, for survey purposes and for establishing the distributions of mammalian species. Dr. Edwards joined Mason after he completed a two-year postdoctoral appointment at Texas Tech University and served for two years as an Assistant Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Research interests of my lab include molecular systematics, molecular phylogenetics, conservation genetics, and evolution of vertebrates with special interests given to mammalian systems.

Other interests include:

• Examination of hybrid zones between genetically distinct taxa, including isolating mechanisms and the dynamics of genetic introgression.
• Applications of geometric morphometrics to studies of phylogeny and ontogeny of mammals.
• Growth and utilization of natural history collections, especially those pertaining to mammals.
• Natural history (surveys, etc.) and distributions of mammalian species.

Much of our research centers on some aspect of conservation and is question driven, not organism specific. Most research projects involve both a field and lab component. Currently, we have active research ongoing in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, Ecuador (mainland), and in the Galapagos Islands.

I am always interested in adding highly motivated and dedicated undergraduate and graduate students to my research team. Opportunities exist for collaboration with scientists from the Smithsonian's Conservation & Research Center (CRC) and National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). If you are interested and would enjoy learning more, please feel free to contact me.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS:

• Systematics of the genus Neotoma : historical phylogeography of the various species groups : elucidation of evolutionary relationships among extinct forms using "ancient" DNA. : use of morphological characters to redefine species lines.
• Conservation genetics of native Galapagos rodents (genus Nesoryzomys). : collaboration with Dr. Robert C. Dowler (Angelo State University)
• Historic and current patterns of gene flow among island populations (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) of Rattus rattus , R. norvegicus, and Mus musculus.
• Metacommunity structure of desert rodents: environmentally induced temporal dynamics and a molecular assessment of dispersal effects. : collaboration with Dr. Richard Stevens ( Louisiana State University)
• Carnivores of northern Virginia: community structure, movement patterns, and conservation concerns.
• Genetic variation among members of the Craugastor (Eleutherodactylus) podiciferus species complex (Cerro Utyum robber frog).
• Confirmation of Wild Tundra and Trumpeter Swan Hybrid Populations in Alaska. : collaboration with Dr. Pat Gillevet (George Mason University)