Benthic Ecology and Evolution Lab
Easton Lab at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

About
Dr. Easton’s Benthic Ecology and Evolution Lab at UTRGV explores the biodiversity and evolution of marine benthos from the coast to the deep sea. Benthos are fauna that live in, on, or in association with the seafloor. More information here.

Research
Research in the Easton Benthic Ecology and Evolution Lab at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley focuses on the study of epibenthic megafauna on hard-bottom habitats and meiofauna of soft-bottom habitats. To study these benthic communities, we use a variety of tools to conduct biodiversity surveys, to explore biogeographic and community assemblage patterns, to identify potential drivers of these patterns, and to understand the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of select taxa. Of particular interest are the benthic communities of mesophotic and deep-sea habitats in the South Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. More information on current research project is available here.
People
Seeking master’s and undergraduate students to join the lab. Checkout Research to review current and planned research projects. If you are interested in joining the lab, email Dr. Easton your CV and statement of research interest.


Publications
Five most recent
- Shepherd et al. 2020. New species of Chromis.
- Easton and Hicks. 2020. Carijoa riisei mitogenome.
- Morelos et al. 2019. Top predators of Easter Island.
- Mecho et al. 2019. Diversity of Easter Island echinoderms.
- Easton and Hicks. 2019. Callogorgia gracilis mitogenome.
Full list and CV
Dr. Erin E. Easton
Office: Port Isabel Campus PPOB2 1.400A
Office Hours: by appointment
Lab: Port Isabel Campus PPOB2 1.400/1.401
Mailing address: