Coltman Lab

Welcome to the Coltman lab! Research in my lab has been dedicated to the genetic study of wild populations. We used molecular genetic markers to study wildlife at various scale of organization, ranging from broad-scale studies of phylogenetics, phylogeography and population structure at landscape scales, to finer-scaled analyses of genetically inferred relationships and relatedness within populations. I am also very interested in using molecular tools to reveal the genetic architecture of fitness-related traits. Over the past two decades, we have advanced the understanding of trait variation through long-term studies of pedigreed populations, particularly bighorn sheep, red squirrels, grey seals, and even the occasional sasquatch. We have used microsatellite genotyping and developed high-density SNP panels and whole genome sequencing to estimate genetic relatedness and trait heritability. Our work has also explored the effects of anthropogenic pressures, such as trophy hunting and disease, on genetic and phenotypic variation. Our long-term aim is to uncover the adaptive potential of wild populations, and in doing so – to make meaningful contributions to wildlife conservation and evolutionary biology.