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# Anne Daphne Yoder

Braxton Craven Distinguished Professor of Evolutionary Biology
Biology
anne.yoder@duke.edu
Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708-0338
128 Biol Sciences Bldg, Durham, NC 27708
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## Overview

My work integrates field inventory activities with molecular phylogenetic techniques and geospatial analysis to investigate Madagascar, an area of the world that is biologically complex, poorly understood, and urgently threatened. Madagascar has been designated as one of the most critical geographic priorities for conservation action, retaining less than 10% of the natural habitats that existed before human colonization. It is critical that information be obtained as quickly as possible to document the biota that occurs in the remaining and highly threatened forested areas of western Madagascar, to gain an understanding of the evolutionary processes and associated distributional patterns that have shaped this diversity, and to use this information to help set conservation priorities. Phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of Malagasy vertebrates, each with unique life-history and dispersal characteristics, are conducted to identify areas of high endemism potentially associated with underlying geological features, and also to test for the role that geographic features have played in generating patterns of vertebrate diversity and distribution. My lab also has a significant focus on capacity-building through the education and training of both American and Malagasy students. Research opportunities for American graduate students are enhanced by the formation of Malagasy/American partnerships.

## Current Appointments & Affiliations

Braxton Craven Distinguished Professor of Evolutionary Biology · 2017 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Biology · 2005 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Evolutionary Anhropology · 2008 - Present Evolutionary Anthropology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Faculty Research Scholar of DuPRI's Center for Population Health & Aging · 2011 - Present Center for Population Health & Aging, Duke Population Research Institute
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2011 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2017 - Present Duke Science & Society, Initiatives

## Education, Training & Certifications

Duke University · 1992 Ph.D.