Through my research program I aim to understand how organisms adapt to our changing world. I combine computer analysis, mathematical theories, laboratory experiments, field data, and observations from nature to paint a clearer picture of how life responds to environmental challenges. My work focuses on three main questions: How do organisms change within their lifetime and across generations to cope with new conditions? How do interactions between different species affect their ability to handle temperature changes? And how does the layout of landscapes over space and time influence adaptation? By using advanced computing techniques and analyzing various types of data, I create models that help us predict how different species might respond to climate change, from tiny insects to coral reefs.
Plasticity and Evolution under Changing Temperatures
I study how living things adapt to new environments in two ways: by changing within their lifetime (plasticity) and by evolving over generations. Think of it like learning a new skill versus passing on talents to your children. I’ve developed a framework with which to understand how different environmental changes, like rising temperatures or more frequent storms, affect these two types of adaptation. To test my ideas, I work with fruit flies in the lab and study coral reefs in the ocean. My goal is to use what we learn to develop better ways to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
Video about my work with insects
Video about my work with coral reefs
Species Interactions and Environmental Change
My research looks at how different organisms affect each other’s ability to handle changes in their environment, especially temperature changes. Imagine how having plenty of food might help you stay comfortable in hotter or colder weather. I’ve created mathematical models that predict how the temperature a species can tolerate changes based on how much food is available. This helps us understand how whole ecosystems might respond to climate change. Right now, I’m developing mathematical tools to figure out how species interact with each other, even when we don’t have a lot of information about them in nature. It’s like solving a puzzle with only a few pieces!
Article about my consumer-resource dynamics work
Article about my work with African Cichlids
Ecological and Evolutionary Dynamics Across Space and Time
I investigate how the arrangement of landscapes influences how plants and animals adapt to climate change. Picture a forest with a mix of sunny clearings, shaded groves, and varied soil types. This environmental diversity can affect which populations of species are more likely to survive as the climate shifts. Using mathematical models and data science, I’ve demonstrated how landscape features such as hills, rivers, or patches of different habitats can be crucial in determining whether a population thrives or struggles when faced with sudden environmental changes. This research helps us understand and predict which groups of plants or animals might be most vulnerable to our changing world, guiding efforts to protect biodiversity.
Anna C Vinton, PhD 