NathanielÌýNeal

  • PhD Student
Nate Neal

Freshwater mussels • Genetic structures • Evolutionary ecology

I am studying the genetic basis of mantle lure polymorphism in the freshwater mussel Lampsilis fasciola.

My research concerns freshwater mussels, namely their use of mimicry to lure and parasitize host fishes. I am particularly interested in the genetic basis of the mimic structures and potential drivers of polymorphic phenotypes in the wavy-rayed lampmussel. As specialist mussel species may compete for hosts as a limiting resource, mimicry lures can address key evolutionary and ecological questions related to these taxa.

Advisor: Jigchun LiÌý(EBIO) andÌýScott Taylor

The Taylor Lab

Education

  • MS (Environmental Science): Washington State University Vancouver, 2024
  • BS (Zoology/Animal Biology): Oregon State University, 2022
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