About Me

I am currently a PhD candidate in the Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology program at Miami University (the one in Ohio!) where I am examining phylogenomics and biogeography of various amphipod/isopod lineages.

In 2018 I graduated from Florida A&M University with a M.S. in Biology after working on projects examining the phylogenetics/taxonomy of members of the Crangonyctidae in Florida. Previously I graduated with a B.A. in Zoology from Miami University, where I worked on examining the taxonomy of Gammarus spp. in the Chiahuuhan Desert.

I have a strong passion for examining the little things underfoot. My research reflects this, I currently am focused on researching evolutionary and biogeographic patterns of aquatic organisms, using peracarid (amphipod and isopod) crustaceans as models. These organisms have served well for examining these topics due to their diversity (both taxonomic and ecological), evolutionary history, and biology/ecology (no dispersive larval stage, leading to high endemism). I am also active in peracarid taxonomy and have described numerous species of amphipods in several genera, along with a handful of genera and a new family!

In addition to my research, I enjoy hiking, birding, archery, and occasionally a bit of gardening!

I am also fond of nature photography, especially invertebrates and other small critters. You can view some of my photography on Flickr, Instagram, and sometimes iNaturalist.

I can be contacted by email at cannizag@gmail.com