Dr. Michael Alfaro

Professor

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Biography

Michael Alfaro is a professor and chair at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles. His research focuses on understanding the factors that govern evolutionary dynamics and organismal diversification. He seeks to explain uneven patterns of species richness and morphological diversity using various interdisciplinary approaches. His work crosses traditional boundaries, linking molecular phylogenetics, evolutionary morphology, and theoretical evolution to address complex evolutionary questions. Alfaro employs phylogenomic approaches to construct evolutionary trees and tests hypotheses with advanced phylogenetic statistical methods. His research primarily targets coral reef fishes and neotropical primates, aiming to explore form-function dynamics and quantify organismal diversity.

Research Interests

Courses

E&S SCI M216 EE BIOL M200A - Evolutionary Biology EE BIOL 194B - Research Group Internship EE BIOL C177 EE BIOL C234 - Practical Computing

Requirements for University of California Los Angeles

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:160
Analytical Writing
Required:5
Overall
Required:5
TOEFL
Total
Required:87
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Strong background in Economics and Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • GRE General Test scores
Specialization Notes

Department of Economics admits primarily for the PhD program.