We are generally interested in the molecular and physiological mechanisms of life-history trade-offs. We work on a variety of animal models, including birds, mammals, and small marine invertebrates, both in the lab and in the field. We also utilize primary cells and immortal cell lines to complement our research in whole-animal physiology.

Research topics

• The role of endoplasmic reticulum physiology in mediating life-history trade-offs
• The mitochondrial basis of life-history trade-offs
• Comparative biology of nucleated and enucleated erythrocytes in birds and mammals
• Ecophysiology of Arctic animals

More information about our research

Group members

Principle Investigator

Kang Nian (Jeff) Yap

Associate Professor

Jeff was introduced to animal physiology research when he was an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia. Upon completion of his Bachelor’s degree, he decided to conduct his doctoral research at Simon Fraser University to study the physiological basis of workload in birds. To further understand physiological mechanisms underpinning individual variation in performance, he joined the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University to study the roles of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial physiology in mediating life-history trade-offs. Ultimately, he strives to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms underpinning variations in life-history performance of animals.

Master’s student

Hanna Regine Kvesetberg Larsen

Hanna is studying the variations in metabolism and stress physiology in different color morphs of Arctic fox. Specifically, she is investigating whether the genetic basis for color dimorphism have an impact on production of thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids in the Arctic fox. Hanna is co-supervised by Clare Stawski, as well as Craig Jackson, Nina Eide, and Kristine Ulvund at The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).