Zachary P. Roehrs

PhD Student

Office: 422 Life Sciences West

Educational History:
B.S. – Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 1999
M.S. – Museum Studies, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2003
M.S. – Natural Resource Sciences, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2004
Thesis title: Biogeography and population dynamics of the prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus Ord in Nebraska from 1965 to 2003.

Dissertation Title: Vespertilioninae Systematic: Using Nuclear Markers to Elucidate Tribal Phylogenetic Relationships

My general research interests include systematics, biogeography, conservation, and basic natural history of mammals. Currently, my primary focus is chiropteran systematics where I am attempting to elucidate the evolutionary affinities of the subfamily Vespertilioninae, and re-exam tribal constituents using nuclear markers. I am also involved in field surveys of western Oklahoma mammals directed by Dr. Van Den Bussche. My past research has included surveys of Cynomys ludovicianus to determine changes in their distributions and dynamics of their spatial ecology in Nebraska. I have conducted collaborative research on the biogeography and natural history of many of the small mammals of Nebraska. Finally, I have a strong interest in the conservation of natural history specimens, and the maintenance and politics of natural history collections/museums.

Photograph by Brett Hampton (IANR, University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Brandi S. Coyner

PhD Student

Office: 422 Life Sciences West

Educational History:
B.S. – Zoology, University of Oklahoma, 2005

Dissertation Title: Phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships of South American grass mice of the genus Akodon (Rodentia, Muridae)

Presently, my primary research interests focus on the systematics, biogeography, taxonomy, and conservation of South American mammals, especially rodents of the subfamily Sigmodontinae. I am interested in reconstructing evolutionary hypotheses for the rapid radiation and current distributions of this diverse group. Along with Akodon, I have also worked on South American gerbil mice (Eligmodontia), pygmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys), and a number of other rodent and bat groups. I am also deeply interested in deserts, their place in the biodiversity crisis, and the evolutionary adaptations exhibited by their inhabitants. Although most of my dissertation is lab based, I also have a deep passion for museum and field studies. I have also recently become interested in wildlife forensics using molecular techniques to determine the identity of unknown animal parts.