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Leslie Babonis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 2011 and a B.S. from the University of Miami in 2003. Her research is broadly focused on understanding the mechanisms that promote and limit evolution of novel traits, particularly within the contexts of organismal biology and evolutionary development (Evo-Devo). Babonis engages in studies of invertebrate biodiversity, especially cnidarians (such as corals and jellies) and ctenophores (comb jellies). Her work is centered around the origin of new traits and factors that promote biodiversity, utilizing dynamic processes in embryogenesis and tissue morphogenesis to explore how novel traits arise. A significant aspect of her research involves dissecting the evolutionary history of cnidocytes and manipulating gene expression in vivo to understand the evolution of novel cell types. Babonis is also interested in investigating trait loss as a significant driver of biodiversity, studying the evolutionary dynamics of genes associated with the development of lost structures. Through her lab, she aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of animal form and function.
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