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

Grad Alumni

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

Undergrad Alumni

Anika Tan (UTEA)
Julia van Putten (ROP)
Sofiya Salakhutdinova (ROP)
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.