The Leaché Lab at the University of Washington in Seattle, jointly housed in the Department of Biology and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, is led by Professor Adam Leaché. The lab investigates the evolutionary biology, systematics, and biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians, integrating extensive fieldwork, museum-based research, and modern genomic approaches.

Research in the lab focuses on understanding how species form, how they are related, and how their histories can be reconstructed using genomic data. Much of the lab’s work centers on phylogenetics and systematics, with an emphasis on developing and applying methods to infer evolutionary relationships and assess species boundaries. This includes studies of phylogeography and species delimitation, where the lab explores how geography, genetics, and historical processes shape the structure and divergence of populations. The team frequently develops and tests analytical and computational tools through computer simulations and bioinformatics pipelines to improve the reliability of evolutionary inferences from genetic datasets.

A defining feature of the lab is its integration of field research with the herpetology and genetic resources collections of the Burke Museum. Connecting living populations with historical specimens allows the lab to examine biodiversity across both space and time, providing robust insights into lineage diversification and evolutionary processes. The lab’s work has contributed significantly to understanding species boundaries and evolutionary histories in numerous herpetological groups, with implications for both taxonomy and conservation.

Interesting in joining?
Undergraduate students should send an introductory email to inquire about current openings.
Graduate students should send an introductory email that includes the following: 1) a brief overview of your background and research experience, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) copies of any relevant publications, and 4) a description of your Ph.D. research goals.