Meet The Team

Team members at UofT's Koffler Scientific Reserve

Team members at UTM

PI: Dr. Kara Layton

Assistant Professor - University of Toronto (Biology, UTM/EEB, UofT)

Assistant Professor (Lecturer) - Biology, University of Aberdeen

PDF: Bedford Institute of Oceanography & MUN

PhD: University of Western Australia & Western Australian Museum

BSc, MSc: University of Guelph

I've been fascinated by invertebrates for as long as I can remember and I spent my graduate school years studying invertebrate biodiversity and systematics, with a particular focus on marine gastropods. As a postdoc, I spent time working in the well-resourced world of salmonids so I could better understand the microevolutionary processes underpinning diversity. Now, I merge these interests to investigate molluscan biodiversity, phylogeny and evolution across scales and systems.

Outside of work, I'm usually found chasing after a hockey stick-wielding toddler, doing yoga, diving or cooking.

EEB | Google Scholar | Bluesky | Twitter | kara.layton [at] utoronto.ca

Graduate Students

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Anahy Garza

PhD Student: University of Toronto

Previously: MSc, Cal State LA

For my PhD, I will ask questions about the genomic, chemical and phenotypic diversity of chromodorid nudibranchs, linking to my interests in how marine molluscs physically and chemically protect themselves. Outside of graduate school you’ll find me at the gym, hiking, shopping for plants or binge-watching anime!

Twitter

Giada Spagliardi

PhD Student: University of Toronto

Previously: MSc, Naturalis Biodiversity Center

For my PhD, I’m keen to explore the diversity and evolution of pelagic snails, focusing on functional morphology and adaptations to life in the open ocean, drawing on my interests in evolution, systematics, and natural history collections. Alongside research, I enjoy cooking, swimming, and beachcombing - often with a sketchbook in hand.

Krystyn Forbes

PhD Student: University of Toronto (co-supervised by Cassidy D'Aloia)

Previously: BSc, Vancouver Island University

For my PhD, I'm investigating the patterns, drivers, and consequences of the European sea lemon (Doris pseudoargus) invasion in the northwest Atlantic using molecular methods to build on my interests in molecular ecology, conservation biology, and marine biology. Beyond research, my hobbies include birding, climbing and playing the piano.

Incoming September 2026:

Rebecca Choi, PhD Student

Mandy Gibson, MSc Student

Undergraduate Students

Sofiya Salakhutdinova

Summer ROP Student

My programs are Molecular Biology Specialist and Anthropology Minor. I am interested in studying the ecological impact of human activity and how modern species adapt to keep up with global climate and environmental change. In my free time, I enjoy reading, experimenting with creative makeup and doing a million different craft projects!

Julia van Putten

Summer ROP Student

I am completing my final year of the Bioinformatics Specialist program and will be starting the Master of Bioinformatics program at the University of Guelph this September. I love animals and am passionate about the use of large-scale data to inform the development of effective conservation strategies.

Anika Tan

Summer UTEA Student

I am a biology and computer science major fascinated by in the variety of forms into which life has evolved. I am particularly interested in the patterns used to classify them, as well as the processes shaping their form and function. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, crafts, and wandering trails.

Grad Alumni

Victoria Gillman, PhD
Ethan Ross, PhD (now Research Fellow at University of Portsmouth)
Silvia Prieto Banos, MSci (now PhD student at Université de Lausanne)
Brodie Thomas, MSc (now Marine Enhancement Advisor, NatureScot)
Corinne McElhinney, MSc (now Marine Sustainability Advisor, NatureScot)

Undergrad Alumni

Ianna Young, ROP & BIO481
Diana Barabas, ROP
Khadiza Rashid Ruhani, ROP
Cristina Di Vita, ROP
Jaskaran Khurana, ROP

Interested in joining the lab?

If you're interested in joining the lab, please send an email with your CV, a brief statement detailing your research experience and interests and why you think our lab is a good fit for you. We welcome, support and encourage diversity in academia so please don't hesitate to ask how can we best support and accommodate your needs.