Lab Members
Lab members and KU Fishes alumni at the 2026 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in New Orleans
Dr. Leo Smith
Ichthyology Associate Curator and Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Everyone in the lab is an evolutionary biologist interested in the phylogenetics of fishes or systematic theory. We focus on the large-scale phenomena that have shaped the history and diversification of fishes at various scales and in both geographic space and geologic time. We use a combination of phylogenetic trees, field collections, and focused anatomical, morphometric, and genomic analyses to understand the evolution and diversification of freshwater or marine fishes.
If you are interested in opportunities in working on the evolution of fishes at the University of Kansas, we encourage you to contact anyone in the lab directly.
Alex Maile
Ph.D. Candidate at KU
Alex studies the evolutionary relationships and morphological diversity of fishes through natural history collections. His research combines comparative anatomy, CT imaging, fossils, and genomic data to examine how fish lineages diversified and how novel structures evolved. He is focusing on the roughies and allies (Trachichthyiformes).
Recent Publication: Maile, AJ and MP Davis. 2026. The evolution of lures in anglerfishes (Acanthuriformes: Lophioidei): Investigating nature's tackle box. Ichthyology & Herpetology 114:103–118.
Jack Newmark
Senior in Ecology, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology at KU
Jack has been identifying freshwater fishes from Missouri, focusing on catfishes, minnows and sturgeons. He will be conducting research this year in our lab.
Recent Presentation: Schoeck, C, E Grafel, J Newmark, L Penny, E Rogers, L Stewart, S Volovoy, A Maile, L. Smith and A Bentley. 2026. Incorporating late 20th century Missouri Department of Conservation specimens into the University of Kansas: growth: digitization and training in ichthyology. JMIH Poster, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lab Alumni
Dr. Rene Martin
Ph.D. University of Kansas, 2022
Rene studied the biology and phylogeny of lanternfishes and the evolution of midwater fishes.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska
Dr. Matthew Girard
Ph.D. University of Kansas, 2021
Matt studied the biology and phylogeny of archerfishes and thread fins and transitions between marine and freshwater.
Current Position: Zoologist, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
Dr. Rebecca Dikow
Ph.D. University of Chicago, 2012
Rebecca studied thephylogenetic relationships among the Shewanellaceae and Vibrionaceae, focusing on genome evolution.
Current Position: Director of Data & Research Innovation &, Marx Science & Social Science Library, Yale University
Dr. Matthew Davis
Postdoctoral Fellow 2012–2014
Matt studied the evolution of bioluminescent and biofluorescent fishes.
Current Position: Professor, Saint Cloud State University
Dr. Nicholas Lang
Postdoctoral Fellow 2008–2011
Nick studied the phylogenetic of darters and lampreys.
Current Position: Instructor, Lane Tech, Chicago, IL
Hannah Reid
Postbaccalaureate 2024-2025
Hannah studied hatchetfish evolution and sensory biology in deep-sea fishes.
Current Position: Doctoral Aspirant, University of Minnesota
Dr. Jennifer Stern
Honors Student 2014–2015
Jenny studied the morphology and evolution of venomous cartilaginous fishes
Current Position: Scientist, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
Dr. Elizabeth Everman
REU at The Field Museum 2011
Elizabeth studied the evolution of flatheads, scorpionfishes, sea robins, and stonefishes.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma