THE WILSTERMAN LAB
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Meet the Lab!

We are a reproductive physiology lab with an interest in
​how reproductive traits evolve, diversify, and adapt.

The Wilsterman Lab is particularly interested in the physiology that constrains reproductive output and the mechanisms that are responsible for variation in reproductive traits among and within species. We ask questions about two different types of variation in reproduction:
  1. What systems underlay stable variation in reproductive function (including adaptive variation in reproductive function)?
  2. Which cues and physiological systems does mom use to control her investment across a reproductive cycle (i.e., individual variation in investment)?
We combine neuroendocrinology, cell biology, evolutionary physiology, and functional genomics approach for both in vivo and in vitro systems to identify mechanisms underlying ecologically-relevant phenotypic variation. 

In addition to thinking about origins of biological diversity and evolutionary processes, we are interested in using these perspectives to understand human health and disease. Current work in the lab is using these approaches to understand the origins of fetal growth restriction in high elevation communities and to identify solutions to these universal challanges.

Current Lab Members and Affiliates

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Kate Wilsterman, PhD
Principal Investigator
​
Background:  CV
Bucknell University, BSc (Biol.)
UC Berkeley, PhD (Int. Biol.)
UMontana, Post-doc (Evol. Biol.)

Interests: eco/evo/repro. physiology
Hobbies: running, skiing, great coffee, and a good laugh.
Favorite Lab Item: The cryostat!
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Anna Bautista
Lab Manager
​(Summ. 2022)
Background: 
CSU, BSc (Zoology),
with an Anthropology minor
Interests: Neuroendocrinology & reproductive phys.

Hobbies: reading, sunshine, and countless creative endeavors.
Favorite Lab Item: P5000
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Ashley Larson, MS
Research Technician
​(Fall 2022)
Background: 
CSU BSc (Zool. & Biol.),
CSU MS (Zoology)
Interests: Conservation, adaptation,
& physiology

Hobbies: Anything outdoors!
Favorite Lab Item: APX100 
fluorescent scope


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Meg Hemmerlein
PhD Student
​(CMB, Fall 2022)
Background: 
Wheaton College, BA (Biochem.)
Interests: Functional genomics
& cell biology

Hobbies: Skiing, mountain biking, dogs, and snacks
Favorite Lab Item: 
​Mini-trash cans!
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Chloe Butler
Master's Student
(Biology, Spr. 2023)
Background: 
Texas A&M, BSc (Biology),
with a Philosophy minor
Interests: Animal behavior & physiology

Hobbies: Photography and anything with my dogs!
Favorite Lab Item: APX100
​fluorescent microscope
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Mya Voigtsberger
Undergraduate Researcher
(Spr. 2022)
Background: 
Current CSU Zoology student,
pursuing veterinary school
Interests: Wildlife medicine and reproductive phys.

Hobbies: Dressage, rock climbing, and hanging out with wolves
Favorite Lab Item: Mini-trash cans
(AKA staining jars)

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Ellery Myers
Undergraduate Researcher
(Fall 2022)
Background: 
Current CSU Biology student,
pursuing medical school
Interests: Reproductive biology

Hobbies: Anything outside
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Gabe Koubek
Visiting Student Researcher
(Spr. 2023)
Background: 
Current Maastricht Univ. student in Medical Biology
,
pursuing medical school
Interests: High altitude phys./adapt.

Hobbies: Alpine climbing, motocross, & welding/masonry
Favorite Lab Item: Roto-vap 
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Kylie Jewett
Undergraduate Researcher
​(Fall 2022)
Background: 
Current CSU Biology student
Interests: Embryology and
reproductive biology

Hobbies: Hiking, reading, and music
Favorite Lab Item: APX100
​fluorescent scope

Collaborators

\We work closely with a number of labs in the Front Range and beyond! If you are interested in collaborating, we would love to hear from you.

Our lab works particularly closely with the Williams Lab, including running joint lab meetings and lab events (see right)!

Our other collaborators (past and present) include:
  • The Velotta Lab (Univ. of Denver)
  • The Cheviron Lab (University of Montana)
  • The Good Lab (University of Montana)​
  • The Sudmant Lab (UC Berkeley)
  • The Bentley Lab (UC Berkeley)
  • The Kriegsfeld Lab (UC Berkeley)
​
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Holiday Party 2022. L to R, Front Row: Ellery Myers, Mo Sherrier, Anna Bautista, Mya Voigtsberger, Aria Fischer, Kiska, and Cory Williams. Back: Kate Wilsterman, Zephyr, Cole Deal, Ashley Larson, Emma Magna, and Meg Hemmerlein.
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  • Who We Are
  • Mentoring
  • Diversity & Equity
  • Publications