Principal Investigator 


​Mark A. Phillips, PhD
[email protected]
​Google Scholar and C.V.
Assistant Professor 
Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University
After completing a B.S. at the University of Florida,  I conducted my dissertation research at the University of California, Irvine under the guidance of Dr. Michael R. Rose.  As a graduate student,  I sought to answer questions about evolutionary repeatability and rates of adaptation in sexually reproducing populations. After graduate school, I was awarded an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship where I worked with Dr. Molly Burke to study evolutionary dynamics in outcrossing microbial systems. My lab at Oregon State University now focuses on using experimental evolution to understand the factors that shape, maintain, and underlie patterns of phenotypic variation observed in natural populations. In my free time, I like to cook, eat, and exercise.

Lab Members​


​Kenneth Arnold, PhD
[email protected]
Postdoctoral researcher
Prior to joining the Phillips Lab, I conducted my Ph.D. research at the University of California, Irvine, under the mentorship of Dr. Michael R. Rose. Using experimental evolution and genomic analysis, my work seeks to dissect the molecular basis of adaptation in sexually reproducing populations. I am especially interested in questions about evolutionary repeatability and the factors that shape rates of adaptation.  ​ 

​David Hubert, PhD 
[email protected]
https://hubertd0.wixsite.com/davidlhubert
Postdoctoral researcher
I am interested in using a truly integrative approach to answer complex biological questions. My previous work centered around using behavioral, physiological, reproductive and transcriptional assays to investigate the thermal biology of the Red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis). My current work aims to use an even more multi-omic strategy to study selective pathways and the mechanisms and timing of parallel and convergent evolution to long-term selective pressures in Drosophila species. This work will touch on broader topics including the interaction between aging and metabolic function, and the long-term adaptive response to generational exposure to extreme diets. When I’m not teaching or sciencing, you can find me spending time with my family, playing video games, music (poorly), D&D, MTG, or reading epic fantasy.

​Moumita Chakraborty 
[email protected]
PhD Student, Integrative Biology
BS & MS: University of Dhaka, 2018

I completed my B.S. and M.S. from the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University. I am interested in the effect of antioxidant supplements on complex traits. During my graduate study, I will focus on dietary supplements that enhance healthspan, using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to explore the underlying mechanisms and pathways. I spend my free time exploring nature; I love to hike and sometimes listen to music. Recent additions include badminton, tennis, yoga, and plants (though my husband isn’t thrilled about the extra dirt!).

​Elmira Ahmadian
[email protected]
PhD Student, Integrative Biology
I received my B.S. and M.S. from Shahid Behesti University. My research interest is using fruit flies as a biological model for investigating disease via experiment evolution, with a focus on the impacts of a high sugar diet. 

Undergraduate Researchers

Hassan Abderahman

Ava Ellery

Selena Frisbee-Kel'ikpi

Lee Alyssa

Carter Pardue

​Jesus "Chuy" Mauricio

​Emily Thippraxay

​Sutton Wetherell

Amalie Landry

Emily Hashima

Jasmine Scherzinger

Past Lab Members

Nina Devine (2023 to 2024) - Lab manager and research assistant. Now a PhD student at ​Pennsylvania State University in the Department of Entomology. 

Riley Duncan (Summer 2024) - Undergraduate researcher. Currently working as part of the OSU's Arthorpod Collection's team.

Kili Garcia (2024-2025) - Undergraduate researcher. Now a Masters student at John Hopkins University through their Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies program. 

Sam Jordan (2023-2025) - Undergraduate researcher. 

Dylan Porter (2023-2025) - Undergraduate researcher who completed an Honor's thesis on how sampling effects metabolomic characterization in Drosophila. 

Madden Robertson (2024) - Undergraduate researcher. Now working in OSU's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. 

Ty Waldo (2023-2025) - Undergraduate Researcher. Now a PhD student at Oregon State University in Biochemistry and Biophysics.