Meet The Team
PI: Dr. Kara Layton
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
PDF: Bedford Institute of Oceanography & MUN
PhD: University of Western Australia & Western Australian Museum
BSc, MSc: University of Guelph
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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.
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Outside of work, I'm usually found chasing after a hockey stick-wielding toddler, hiking, diving, running or cooking.
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EEB | Google Scholar | Bluesky | Twitter | kara.layton [at] utoronto.ca
Graduate Students
Ethan Ross
PhD Student: University of Aberdeen
Previously: MSci, University of Southhampton
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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.
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Victoria Gillman
PhD Student: University of Aberdeen
Previously: MSci, University of Southhampton
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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.
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Alumni
Silvia Prieto Banos
MSci: University of Aberdeen
How do prey preference and chemical acquisition shape dorid nudibranch phylogeny?
Currently: PhD student, Université de Lausanne
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Brodie Thomas
MSc: University of Aberdeen
An integrative approach to understanding colour variation in the sea lemon (Doris pseudoargus)
Currently: Marine Enhancement Advisor, NatureScot
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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.