Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Biology is set to celebrate Darwin Day at noon Feb. 12 in the Kennedy Auditorium with special guest speaker Dr. James Albert from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Albert is a leading zoologist and evolutionary ecologist whose research focuses on the diversity and evolution of tropical freshwater fish. Using morphological and phylogenetic approaches, his work explores how fish species evolve over time. He has authored more than 100 scientific papers and is a recognized expert on Neotropical electric fish. Together with his colleagues, Albert has described 50 new fish species to date.
"We are delighted to have Dr. James Albert join us for this special event as we celebrate, remember and reflect on the contributions of both Darwin and the vital work of scientists across all disciplines,” said Dr. Carmen Montaña-Schalk, associate professor of biology.
During the event, Albert will present “Ecology and evolution of Amazonian fishes: Assembling the most diverse continental vertebrate assemblage.”
The presentation examines how South America’s freshwater fish became the most diverse vertebrate fauna on Earth. Based on the book “Ecology and Evolution of Amazonian Fishes,” it brings together new evolutionary, ecological and geological data to test leading ideas about how this remarkable diversity arose.
For more information about SFA’s Department of Biology, visit sfasu.edu/biology.