Sharon A. Jansa
Assistant Professor,
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
Curator of Mammals, Bell Museum of Natural History
University of Minnesota
1987 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
phone: (612) 624-6293
email: jansa003@umn.edu
Research Interests
My research is primarily concerned with the inferring the systematics and biogeographic history of localized mammalian radiations. I employ molecular and morphological data to infer a phylogenetic framework for use in elucidating which forces—both historical and ecological—have prompted diversification among mammalian species. My current research is focused on the following main projects:
Biogeography and phylogeography of Madagascar’s native rodents
Molecular phylogenetics and biogeography of Philippine rodents
Molecular and morphological systematics of marsupials
Teaching
Mammalogy (EEB4129) Fall
2006 website
Field Mammalogy (EEB 4839) at the Itasca
Field Station
Graduate Seminars in Systematics and Phylogeography
Information for prospective graduate students
I can accept students through the graduate programs in either Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior or Conservation Biology. I am interested in advising students whose interests lie in the broadly defined fields of mammalian evolution and biogeography. Although I gladly collaborate with students on projects, I believe that grad school is your chance to develop your own research program. I will work with you to find your academic niche, but it's your job to be independent and motivated. If that interests you, then please feel free to contact me via email (jansa003@umn.edu). Let me know a little about your background and why you want to pursue graduate studies with me. Also be sure to familiarize yourself with the admissions criteria for the graduate programs listed above, which are quite competitive.