Dr. Walsh’s lab focuses on the evolution and ecology offreshwater invertebrates, especially of Chihuahuan Desert zooplankton and how species adapt totemporary habitats in arid lands. Projects include characterizing genetic variation of populations ofselected species and investigation of reproduction patterns to determine cues for inducing or ending diapause. Current funding supports research on molecular phylogenetics and life history evolution. The current project focuses on gnesiotrochan rotifers. A third area of research is environmental toxicology in freshwater ecosystems. Work in this area focuses on heavy metals and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PCPPs).