People - Visiting Researchers

Rachel Fraser (Ph.D. candidate, Queen's University, Ontario) is a visiting fellow working on the Golden-winged Warbler/Blue-winged Warbler hybridization system. Specifically, Rachel is using molecular genetic techniques to examine mate-choice decisions to determine whether apparent asymmetries in gene flow from one species to another are caused by species biased mate-choice. In addition, Rachel is searching for species-specific alleles that will enable individuals in a hybridizing population to be screened for levels of genetic introgression. Considering the ongoing decline of Golden-winged Warblers, understanding the hybridization process is paramount to their continued survival.

Rachel (left) conducting AFLP analyses.

Banded nestling Golden-winged Warbler, and fledgling Golden-winged Warbler (on rollover).