Yusan Yang, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
pronouns: she/her
email: yusanyang_at_usf.edu
I am an evolutionary ecologist broadly interested in sexual selection, animal behavior, and animal coloration. My research focuses on how mating behaviors and sexual ornaments evolve together, and how these dynamics subsequently shape sexual selection, speciation, and diversification.
I completed my B.S. degree at National Taiwan University, then my Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh, and did a postdoc at the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis before coming to the University of South Florida.
Outside work, I play volleyball, grow plants, and look for authentic Asian food in Tampa.
Ren Payne
Lab manager
pronouns: they/them
email: arpayne_at_usf.edu
I’m a postbaccalaureate researcher interested in the phylogeny and forest interactions of ectomycorrhizal fungi. I am deeply concerned with conservation efforts and have a passion for the natural world around us. While working with vertebrates is a far-cry from the world of mycota, I am thrilled to be able to witness the behavioral side of ecology.
Jake Woods
PhD student
pronouns: he/him
email: jpwoods_at_usf.edu
Jake is a PhD student interested in how sexual traits, life history strategies, and developmental conditions shape natural and sexual selection on individuals. He earned his undergraduate degree at Saint Louis University.
Rey Cohen
Undergraduate Researcher
pronouns: he/him
email: cohen28_at_usf.edu
I am set to graduate from USF in fall 2024 with my Biology B.S., with a concentration in ecology and evolution; as well as a geographic information systems and technology minor. I will be researching the visual sensitivity to color among different color morphs of poison frogs.
Quarohn Holliday
Undergraduate Researcher
pronouns: he/him
email: hollidayq_at_usf.edu
I am an undergraduate student studying for a Biology B.S: with a concentration in animal biology. Although I’m particularly intrigued with birds and primates, I aspire to travel the world, performing field research on the intriguing behaviors of various fauna. All while promoting/participating in conservation efforts for threatened species and ecosystems.
Mya Alarca
Undergraduate Researcher
pronouns: she/her
email: alarca@usf.edu
YANG LAB at USF 