Welcome to the Carlson Lab, where we study the evolutionary ecology and conservation of freshwater fishes. We aim to do research that illuminates how evolution and ecology interact to shape wild populations and influence their persistence, particularly those exposed to anthropogenic (human) influences.

Some topics that interest us include:

  • Life history portfolios and resilience
  • Habitat mosaics and connectivity
  • Impacts of drought and climate change on stream fishes
  • Ecological and evolutionary impacts of management (water, fishery, hatchery, protected area)
  • Evolutionary enlightened management

Much of our research is field-based and incorporates elements of behavioral, population, and community ecology. Our research combines various techniques including the tagging and tracking of individually-marked fish, experimental manipulations in the field, direct observations, comparative studies, and modeling. Recent research has focused on the inland fishes of California.