About The Lab
Our lab's research interests are largely driven by the same fundamental theme in science that has captivated researchers for generations—how and why species evolve. Our lab is interested in using genetic patterns to understand evolutionary processes associated with terrestrial biodiversity on our planet, largely focused on amphibians and reptiles. My program takes a broad, multifaceted approach to understanding biodiversity, including investigating the evolution of morphology and body-form, patterns of diversification, cryptic diversity, and speciation in island archipelago systems. Additionally, we have a growing number of initiatives aimed at applied conservation initiatives in areas of wildlife management, microbiomics, and emerging infectious amphibian and reptile diseases.About Cameron Siler
I am the Curator of Herpetology at the Sam Noble Museum and an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, both at the University of Oklahoma. Being associated directly with an internationally recognized natural history museum, my lab pursues many collection-based research efforts, with studies of macroevolutionary processes balanced with involvement in regional, national, and global collaborations in the broader fields of biodiversity research, education, and conservation. I welcome interdisciplinary research collaborations, and continue to develop international research initiatives that integrate studies of bioinformatics, biodiversity, education, and conservation between U.S. and Asian institutions. Additionally, my lab has developed a strong regional biodiversity conservation program in Oklahoma. I actively strive to involve undergraduate and graduate students in my research program, from laboratory-based research to involvement in international biodiversity expeditions.Lab Members
Jessa Watters
Jessa is the collection manager of the amphibian and reptile collection at the Sam Noble Museum. She received her masters degree from the University of New Hampshire. She is actively involved in numerous education outreach programs and is working collaboratively on a number of research projects in our lab. Jessa has been at the Sam Noble Museum since 2009.
Website / LinkedInSierra Smith
Sierra joined the Siler Lab in Fall 2016, as an undergraduate researcher. Since since then she has transition to a PhD in Fall 2019, with a research on the interactions between invasive species, disease, and microbial skin communities in herps. In January 2020 she embarked on a Fulbright Fellowship to the Philippines.
WebsiteForrest Nielsen
Forrest joined the Siler Lab in the summer of 2022 as a MS student. He is interested in the population ecology and conservation of threatened herpetofauna. His research will focus on using soft-release methods to augment a local Texas Horned Lizard population with captive-raised hatchlings.
WebsiteCameron Forehand
Cameron joined the Siler Lab as a Masters Student in the Fall of 2022. Her passion for herpetology and conservation biology led her to join the lab, where her research focuses on optimizing a headstart and release program for Texas horned lizards.
Website / LinkedInJulianne Li
Julianne joined the Siler Lab in Spring 2022 for the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) Program and is an undergraduate majoring in Biology. She is now working as a collection assistance and completing her Honors Thesis in our department.
WebsiteEmma Franklin
Emma joined the Siler Lab in the Spring of 2022 as a Texas horned lizard field tech. She is an undergraduate senior majoring in Biology. She plans to pursue a graduate degree to further her knowledge and passion for Genetics
Website / LinkedInXavi Molina
Xavissa Molina is a Sophomore Microbiology major who joined us as a volunteer in Spring 2023. With her previous work with crocodiles in Belize, she is jumping into more herpetology with us! In Summer 2023, Xavi moved into a position as a collection assistant.
WebsiteJack Chlebanowski
Jack is sophomore majoring in Paleontology and wants to study dinosaur behavior, who joins the Siler Lab as a collection volunteer and a Texas Horned Lizard research technician.
WebsiteTrinity Cordry
Trinity is an undergraduate who is majoring in Biology on the pre-PA track. She joins the Siler Lab in Spring 2023 as a volunteer.
WebsiteYamillet Escamilla
Yamillet is currently an OU undergraduate majoring in Biology; she joined the Siler Lab in Summer 2023 as a volunteer.
WebsiteHaven Powell
Haven joined the Siler Lab in Summer 2023 as an undergraduate volunteer. She is a senior at OU majoring in Biology with a passion for conservation. Along with collections assistance, she also volunteers with the Texas Horned Lizard conservation program.
Website / LinkedInHannah Le
Hannah is an undergraduate student majoring in chemical biosciences with a minor biology; she joined the Siler Lab in Fall 2023 as a volunteer.
WebsiteOwen Scott
Owen is an undergraduate majoring in Biology. He joined as a Siler Lab volunteer in Fall 2023.
Website / LinkedInKatherine Stroh
Undergrad Honors Thesis Researcher, HRAP student, Volunteer, Post-bacc Research Technician/NSF intern
WebsiteContact
Have questions about the lab, our research, or getting involved? Get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!Mailing address
2401 Chautauqua AveNorman, OK 73072