Meet The Team

Team members at UofT's Koffler Scientific Reserve

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 species diversity 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 MSc, I'm investigating population structure and evolutionary history in the European sea lemon (Doris pseudoargus) across both its native and invasive range. My previous research focused on mitochondrial genomes and metagenomes in Canadian mammals (e.g. lynx, marmot). Beyond research, my hobbies are birding, climbing, and playing the piano.

Ethan Ross

PhD Student: University of Aberdeen

Previously: MSci, University of Southhampton

For my PhD, I study the marine invertebrate communities that inhabit temperate seagrass beds and how we can use environmental DNA to monitor them. I’m also interested in the applications of these methods for assessing habitat health and supporting local conservation and habitat restoration initiatives. Away from my studies you’ll find me enjoying a swim session, diligently painting model figurines or attempting to garden.

QUADRAT | Twitter

Victoria Gillman

PhD Student: University of Aberdeen

Previously: MSci, University of Southhampton

For my PhD, I'm integrating genomics and modelling to predict climate change response in the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in Scotland. When I'm not working, catch me swimming, hiking and hanging out with my pup Ziggy on the Aberdeenshire beaches, clifftops, forests and Cairngorm mountains.

Website | Twitter

Undergraduate Students

Ianna Young

BIO481 Student: University of Toronto Mississauga

I am an undergraduate student in the Molecular Biology program at UTM. My research interests include evolution and the role of molecular mechanisms in species adaptation. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin and spending time at the beach.

Khadiza Rashid Ruhani
ROP Student: University of Toronto Mississauga

I am an Undergraduate student in the Biology Specialist program at UTM. My research interests include evolutionary biology and molecular mechanisms in species adaptation and diversity. In my free time, I enjoy painting, spending time in nature, watching anime, and exploring new cafes.

Julia van Putten
ROP Student: University of Toronto Mississauga

I am an undergraduate student in the Bioinformatics program at UTM. My research interests include using organisms ecological and evolutionary information to develop effective conservation strategies. In my free time, I love listening to music and audiobooks, playing the flute and observing wildlife.

Diana Barabas
ROP Student: University of Toronto Mississauga

I am an undergraduate student in the Biotechnology Specialist program at UTM. My research interests include understanding evolutionary relationships between species and marine life contributions to pharmaceutical biology. Outside of my studies, I enjoy hanging out with my cat and reading novels.

Alumni

Cristina Di Vita (Undergraduate Student, UTM)
Jaskaran Khurana (Undergraduate Student, UTM)
Silvia Prieto Banos (now PhD student at Université de Lausanne)
Brodie Thomas (now Marine Enhancement Advisor, NatureScot)
Corinne McElhinney (now Marine Sustainability Advisor, NatureScot)

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.