Research
I am broadly interested in evolution, particularly in the drivers of rapid species diversification and trait evolution. I incorporate specimen-based fieldwork, natural history, and genomic tools to generate phylogenetic trees for comparative analyses. Much of my research background has focused on South Pacific avifauna, particularly on the evolutionary relationships and trait evolution of kingfishers and their relatives.
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Some recent published works include:
Whole genome resequencing of Todiramphus kingfishers
McCullough et al. in review
Mitochondrial capture in a non-sister pair of monarch-flycatchers. Andersen, McCullough, et al. 2021
Breeding Biology & Natural History
Natural history observations have historically been, and continue to be, the bedrock of ecology and evolution. When I can, I contribute to our ever-expanding knowledge base on breeding biology, behavior, and ecology of birds. Here are some examples of natural history studies that I've published:
