We use physiology to understand how animals function in their environment. Our research blends experimental biology with simulation-based computer models to determine whether animals have the physiological, behavioral, or evolutionary potential to tolerate change in their environment. The approach provides a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems, from genes to geographic ranges, while improving our capacity to predict the impact of climate change.
UPDATES​
  • The lab welcomes Kevin and Colton to ISU!
  • The Riddell Lab stands in solidarity with the Black community and pledges to uphold anti-racist, inclusive principles to make academia a more diverse and accepting environment. Read more in Join.
  • I recently accepted an Assistant Professorship at Iowa State University in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology! Inquire for openings!
  • New paper on evidence that climate change pushed desert birds beyond their physiological limits in PNAS!
  • Check out this poem inspired by our recent paper on salamander gene expression.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Terrestrial salamanders maintain habitat suitability despite trade-offs between water loss and gas exchange. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology.

Cooling requirements fueled the collapse of a desert bird community from climate change. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Thermal cues drive plasticity of desiccation resistance in montane salamanders with implications for climate change. Nature Communications

​Plasticity reveals hidden resistance to extinction under climate change in global hotspot of salamander diversity Science Advances.
Iowa State University
​Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology