Merlijn Staps

Merlijn Staps

Merlijn Staps

Assistant Professor of Biology
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  • Washington University
    CB 1137
    One Brookings Drive
    St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

The Staps lab uses theory to study the evolutionary and developmental processes that have generated biodiversity. 

We are particularly interested in questions at the interface of development and evolution. This includes (1) how developmental mechanisms originated and evolved and (2) how they in turn facilitated or constrained the course of evolution. We approach these questions using mathematical modeling, when possible informed by empirical data. Work in the lab spans a diverse range of systems, from the evolution of multicellularity to collective behaviors in social insects to animal color patterns.