Marshal Hedin

Associate Professor, Department of Biology
Evolutionary Biology (EB) Program Area
San Diego State University

Ph.D., Evolutionary and Population Biology
Washington University (1995)

mhedin@sciences.sdsu.edu

Publications Field Expeditions Undergrad Achievements
SDSU Course Offerings CA Jumping Spiders My Kids
What We Do in the Hedin Lab:

It is our mission in the Hedin lab to learn more about terrestrial arthropods (including insects, arachnids, millipedes and centipedes), the most species-rich and ecologically diverse group of animals on land. We do this via three primary types of study. First, we conduct studies that document the “who and where” of biodiversity (i.e., which species live where). Second, we rely upon a variety of modern research techniques to explore the evolutionary diversification mechanisms that underlie the tremendous taxonomic, ecological, and character diversity observed in these animals. Finally, we integrate our organismal, conceptual, and technical expertise into efforts of arthropod and habitat conservation.

Our research is inspired by the wondrous diversity of life on Earth. All such diversity needs to be studied and understood, at all levels of biological organization, if we are to truly comprehend and conserve the riches of this planet.


Examples of Ongoing Studies:
Systematics of Trapdoor Spiders & Kin
Appalachian Arachnid Biodiversity
California Biogeography and Diversity
Harvestmen Systematics

Prospective Students: I am currently accepting graduate students into my lab. Although I would like to have students working on evolutionary problems involving terrestrial arthropods, I certainly do not expect my students to work on my projects, and fully encourage students pursuing independent research directions. Please contact me if you think that we may have common interests.

Contact Information:

Marshal Hedin
Department of Biology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4614

Office: Life Sciences North, Room 204F
Lab: Life Sciences North, Room 206
fax: 619.594.5676, voice: 619.594.6230
e-mail: mhedin@sciences.sdsu.edu