Principal Investigator: Rebecca D. Tarvin

Dr. Rebecca Tarvin holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Boston University. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Curator of Herpetology at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California Berkeley. Her lab’s research aims to understand the genetic basis of novel phenotypes by studying animals that consume and/or sequester neurotoxins. Her research employs complementary approaches in model and non-model systems, including methods in genomics and molecular biology, as well as lab experiments, to characterize unique and convergent molecular mechanisms related to toxin manipulation. Results contribute new insight into diseases that involve mutations in ion channels, and provide a unique perspective for the design of pharmaceuticals that evade xenobiotic metabolism and leverage potential toxin transport mechanisms. Dr. Tarvin is also a Senior Associate of AmphibiaWeb, and she is generally interested in amphibian physiology and genomics, contributing to our knowledge of biodiversity and the unique adaptations that have allowed amphibians to prosper for more than 200 million years on earth. She has worked in Central and South America since 2010, studying biology and evolution in collaboration with local scientists, especially from Ecuador and Colombia. In addition to the study of molecular evolution, genomics, the biology of toxic animals, and the training of the next generation of scientists, her lab is deeply committed to holistic mentoring approaches and collaborative, ethical science, aims that dovetail with productive scientific teams.

Download CV (Updated 23 March 2024)

Google Scholar

Research Gate

María José (Majo) Navarrete-Méndez (2020-present)

I am a naturalist by passion, a conservationist by conviction, and a biologist by a complex mixture of curiosity, hard work, and chance. My scientific interests focus on the study of amphibians and reptiles. I am interested in studying the genetic and environmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of novel traits which characterize instances of phenotypic diversification and convergence. Particularly, I focus on the evolution of chemical defenses in amphibians. I would like to study the symbiotic conversations between TTX producing-bacteria and amphibians including but not limited to frogs of the genus Atelopus and Brachycephalus and newts of the genus Taricha. I am also interested in studying the biogeography of Andean frogs and the Systematics and taxonomy of Pristimantis. Along with my professional aspirations, I am committed to protecting biological richness through science, empowering indigenous communities and women through conservation, and fostering gender equality in academia. Outside of the lab, I enjoy climbing mountains and dancing. Also, I love singing while looking for frogs and reptiles during fieldwork.

Contact: mnavarrete [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Kannon Pearson (2021-present)

I am fascinated by the ways in which toxins mediate organism-level interactions, and how pressures on the interacting partners are subsequently reflected in the occurrence and quantities of these chemicals. In particular, I am interested in the relationships between poisonous amphibians and the skin-associated bacteria which supply or modify their toxins. My dissertation focuses on Pacific newts (Taricha), which are defended by tetrodotoxin – a neurotoxin famously also found in pufferfish. I apply host-microbiome metatranscriptomics to explore how newts start accumulating tetrodotoxin during metamorphosis and how adult newts regulate their toxicity. Additionally, I am working with scientists at the Bureau of Land Management to investigate gene flow between Taricha species and develop a new set of diagnostic characters for telling them apart! 

I am passionate about animal welfare and seek to use and refine methodologies in my research that minimize animal sacrifice and maximize the value of specimens that I do collect. I also try to advocate for increased inclusion in herpetology, in particular for LGBTQ+ folks. You can watch my talk on the intersection of herpetology and queer internet culture at this link!

Outside of working hours, I enjoy cooking, sketching, playing Magic the Gathering, and volunteering with friends to prepare bird specimens in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology prep lab.

Contact: kannonpearson [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Mylena Masache (2024-present)

Since I was a child, I have had a deep interest in learning more about the biodiversity that surrounds me. During my degree, I discovered my passion for amphibians and reptiles and decided to dedicate myself to studying them. My research interests focus on the reproductive behavior of two species of poison frogs, E. tricolor and E. machalilla, which live in parapatric areas, which opens up the possibility that they are hybridizing in nature. Animal behavior has always seemed fascinating to me, and in the case of amphibians, understanding it is key to their conservation. I am also passionate about the systematics and taxonomy of Neotropical amphibians, a region with amazing biodiversity and still full of secrets to discover. Outside of the lab, I enjoy photography, reading, and writing poetry, activities that allow me to disconnect and explore other facets of my life.

Mylena is based at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in Quito, Ecuador under the co-supervision of Santiago Ron.

Contact: mvmasache [at] puce [dot] edu [dot] ec

Frederic Griesbaum (2024-present)

Ever since I was a small child, I have been particularly fascinated by amphibians and reptiles, even though I am generally interested in all animals. Following my dream of becoming a naturalist, I studied biology in Berlin, where I have lived since 2014. After working ecologically and taxonomically during my studies, in my PhD project, I am now working on convergent evolution in frogs, a topic that has fascinated me for years. Therefore, I will investigate different characteristics of anurans and the ecological drivers of their evolution. The project is based at museum of natural history in Berlin and is co-supervised by Mark-Oliver Rödel.

In addition to my research activities, I have been working in environmental education for several years, both at the museum and as a freelance nature guide. I am also passionate about photography and left-wing politics.

Contact: frederic.griesbaum [at] mfn [dot] berlin

Adriana M. Jeckel (2024-present)

I am a biologist interested in understanding chemically mediated ecological interactions and their evolutionary history. My research focuses on uncovering the causes and consequences of chemical diversity in frogs, as well as the mechanisms of resistance and sequestration of dietary compounds in diverse organisms such as amphibians and insects. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading fiction, hiking, and traveling to new destinations. I also have a passion for learning about different cultures through their cuisines and, of course, enjoying as much good and different food as possible.

Contact: TBD