Nicholson lab Research
I have two broad academic interests: evolutionary biology and museum studies/theory.
Evolutionary Biology:
I am interested in the phylogenetic relationships of reptiles and amphibians, phylogenetic and comparative evolutionary methodologies, as well as the general 
biology/ecology/natural history of reptiles and amphibians. My research has revolved around a group of lizards in the genus Anolis and has several foci: to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships among the species, to test biogeographic hypotheses involving 
anoles, to describe and explain the immense diversity of Anolis features such as dewlaps and hemipenes, and to fill in gaps in our general knowledge of anoles. For such a well-studied group to date, there is in fact very little known about most species of anoles. But my interests are not restricted to anoles or even herps in general, but includes most vertebrate
groups as well.
biology/ecology/natural history of reptiles and amphibians. My research has revolved around a group of lizards in the genus Anolis and has several foci: to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships among the species, to test biogeographic hypotheses involving anoles, to describe and explain the immense diversity of Anolis features such as dewlaps and hemipenes, and to fill in gaps in our general knowledge of anoles. For such a well-studied group to date, there is in fact very little known about most species of anoles. But my interests are not restricted to anoles or even herps in general, but includes most vertebrate groups as well.
Museum Studies and Theory:
The museum field is a dynamic one and has changed dramatically over the last decade or two. No longer simply collections-oriented, museums are constantly reinventing themselves and the wealth of theory and information regarding all aspects of museum work has exploded. Understanding all aspects of museum (or museum-related) work from curatorship and collections management to exhibit design and installation, educational program development and execution to integrated pest management makes for a challenging life and never a dull moment! I have great interest in all aspects of this work, and actively work to apply my knowledge to my curatorial duties at the museum here, as well as transmit this knowledge to students in our museum studies minor courses (which are of course open to anyone, not just minors).
