11/01/2021
Meet Dr. Chris Hamilton!
Dr. Chris Hamilton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology at the University of Idaho! Dr. Hamilton is the leader of the Hamilton Lab in addition to the co-PI of the Arthropod Molecular Systematics Lab at the University of Idaho!
The Hamilton Lab explores questions in the fields of arthropod systematics and phylogenetics. As a part of the Arthropod Molecular Systematics Lab, their research approach uses modern systematics to establish hypotheses about the generation and maintenance of biodiversity! Research in the Hamilton Lab is driven by three main questions: What are the relationships within the arthropod Tree of Life? How has evolution produced such a diverse array of forms and functions? And why are particular lineages more diverse than others? Dr. Chris Hamilton and his lab predominantly focus on spiders (Order: Araneae), tarantulas in particular, in their research. They also study moths and butterflies (Order: Lepidoptera), especially silkmoths!
As an Indigenous scholar, Dr. Chris Hamilton works to develop ways to tell stories using both Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and western science approaches to be an effective mentor, holder of knowledge, and educator.
The Hamilton Lab is affiliated with the Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST). Dr. Chris Hamilton is the Vice President for the Systematics, Evolution, & Biodiversity section of the Entomological Society of America (2020-2021). Dr. Chris Hamilton earned his B.A. in Photojournalism from Western Kentucky University and worked as a freelance photojournalist for 6 years before starting graduate school. Dr. Hamilton completed his MSc in Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2009, followed by his PhD in Evolutionary Biology in 2015 at Auburn University with Dr. Jason Bond. To learn more about Dr. Chris Hamilton and his lab, visit their lab website here: https://thehamiltonlab.github.io/hamilton-lab/.
