Join the lab

Updated October 2026

We study macroevolution and biodiversity: how fishes and other organisms diversified, how color patterns evolve, and how to build and use large phylogenies to answer these questions. If these problems excite you, send Michael an email with a short description of your interests and a CV.

Graduate students

We welcome applications from prospective PhD and Masters students through UCLA’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Please email Michael before you apply so we can talk about fit and possible projects. Deadlines, requirements, and funding information are on the department’s graduate pages.

Postdoctoral researchers

We do not currently have funded postdoctoral positions. Michael is glad to sponsor strong candidates for fellowship applications, such as the UC President’s and Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowships and the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology. Get in touch well before the fellowship deadline so there is time to develop a proposal together.

Undergraduates

UCLA undergraduates can join ongoing projects in these areas:

1. Color pattern evolution. Measuring and comparing color patterns of fishes and birds from digital and hyperspectral images, and testing how those patterns evolve across the tree of life. Useful skills: R or Python, image analysis, and an interest in reef fishes or birds.
2. Phylogenomics and diversification of fishes. Building phylogenies from sequence data and asking why some lineages are so much more diverse than others. Useful skills: the command line, R or Python, and phylogenetics.
3. Methods for trait evolution. Developing and testing statistical models of how traits evolve on phylogenies. Useful skills: statistics, R, and programming.

In your email, say which area interests you, describe any relevant coursework or experience, and attach a CV.