Dr. Walsh’s lab focuses on the evolution and ecology of freshwater invertebrates, especially of Chihuahuan Desert zooplankton and how species adapt to temporary habitats in arid lands. Projects include characterizing genetic variation of populations of selected 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. 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).