Research in the Lovern Lab |
*Matt Lovern's abbreviated C.V.
Research in my lab
involves field and laboratory studies and employs numerous behavioral,
physiological, and histological techniques. Thus far, much of my own
work has involved documenting and manipulating testosterone exposure
during development to ascertain its effects on the expression of adult-typical
behavior and morphology. This research has used the green anole (Anolis
carolinensis) as a model, but I am interested in a multi-species,
comparative approach with other lizard species and more generally other
reptiles as well; student research plays
a critical role in this integrative approach taken in my lab. |
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My research into the effects of
steroids during development has led me to become increasingly interested
in epigenetic maternal effects on offspring phenotype. Female green
anoles (like females of many, if not all, oviparous species) deposit
steroids into the yolks of their eggs, and there can be substantial
within-female variation, and even greater among-female variation, in
these yolk steroid levels. Such results suggest exciting possibilities
for maternal influences on offspring via yolk steroid deposition. |
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