L. Lacey Knowles is the Robert B. Payne Collegiate Professor and Curator at the Museum of Zoology, specializing in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. Her research primarily focuses on speciation processes and population divergence, addressing the ecological and evolutionary implications of these phenomena across various taxa including insects, mammals, fishes, and plants. Her lab emphasizes empirical systems, methodological development, and the effects of climate change on species diversity. Major research areas include phylogenomics and the application of genomic data to study diversification histories, infer phylogenetic relationships, and understand population structure. Dr. Knowles' work combines empirical investigation with methodological innovation, exploring themes such as sexual selection, dispersal patterns, and biogeographic histories. She is dedicated to generating integrated hypotheses and testing approaches using diverse genomic analytical strategies. With a commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers, Dr. Knowles engages students and postdoctoral fellows in cutting-edge research opportunities.