2021 Dobzhansky Prize
Congratulations to the 2021 Dobzhansky Prize [1] winner, Dr. Katja Kasimatis! Dr. Kasimatis is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cutter and Rowe labs in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the evolutionary consequences of sex-specific selection and sexual conflict, specifically the impact on genome evolution. She pursues this research using a wide variety of approaches including molecular genetics, proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, experimental evolution, and theoretical population genetics. Her work expands our understanding of sexual conflict and furthered nematodes as a model system for reproductive dynamics. While pursuing her research, she works to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community both within and beyond her department.
 

2021 Dobzhansky Prize Honorable Mentions
Congratulations to the 2021 Dobzhansky Prize [2] Honorable Mentions, Dr. Rosana Zenil-Ferguson and Dr. Amanda Hund. Dr. Zenil-Ferguson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Her research focuses on evaluating the role of polyploidy across angiosperms through the development of stochastic models and statistical tools. While conducting her research, she focuses on promoting diversity and creating space for early career scientists within the macroevolution modeling field through mentorship and workshops. Dr. Hund is a JSMF Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota and is starting as an Assistant Professor at Grinnell College next year. Her research focuses on understanding how parasites shape the evolution of their hosts, and has broad applications for understanding interactions between the environment and developmental processes. In her work, Dr. Hund focuses on promoting effective undergraduate mentorship through courses and research experiences.