Research

The ability to cope in challenging environments requires the effective and coordinated function of complex physiological systems. Challenging environments can lead to physiological plasticity that helps organisms cope but may also cause maladaptive adjustments that contribute to pathology. Evolutionary adaptation can refine these processes and induce other physiological changes that improve fitness in challenging environments. Most of our current research aims to provide fundamental insight into these issues in mammals and birds native to high-altitude environments, but we also examine how various species of vertebrates are responding to and are being impacted by anthropogenic environmental change (e.g., climate change, pollution, etc.). Find out more about some of the areas of our recent research below.