Welcome to the De Silva Lab at the University of Utah.

We explore the immense biodiversity of our planet and strive to understand the processes that generate this remarkable diversity, with a primary focus on birds as a model system. Our research uncovers unknowns in ecology and evolution through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates fieldwork, molecular lab techniques, bioinformatics, museum-based studies, ecological niche modeling, biogeography, and citizen science. Our work is strengthened by collaborations with experts in bioinformatics, genomics, computer science, engineering, architecture, mathematics, optics, geology, paleontology, and statistics, making our research highly integrative. While working to conserve biodiversity, we also seek bioinspiration—drawing innovative insights from the natural world.