Welcome!

The Coughlan lab uses evolutionary genetics and evolutionary ecology to answer questions about the origin and persistence of new species, as well as understanding how species adapt to their local environment. Our work integrates genetics, genomics, field work, greenhouse work, common garden experiments, and development. We primarily use the world's best system- wildflowers of the genus Mimulus- which offers unparalleled natural phenotypic, ecological, and genetic diversity paired with state of the art genetic and genomic resources. We're located in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University in New Haven, CT. See our 'Research' page to learn more about ongoing projects in the lab or the 'People' page for contact information.​

Google Scholar

Coughlan lab, summer 2025: (Back left to right: Pei-Wei Sun, Dristen Lakes, Jones Kim, Jenn Coughlan, Pauline Raimondeau, TJ Johnson; Front left to right: Mariana Vélez Vásquez, Henry Arenas Castro, Haley Branch, Hongfei Chen). Missing in action: Hagar Soliman, Pia Schwarz, and Megan Frayer