Diego ocampo Ph.D.

email: [email protected]
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Mason Lab,
Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University
email: [email protected]
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Mason Lab,
Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University
I am an evolutionary biologist dedicated to understanding the processes that have led to the diverse morphs and behaviors seen in birds. My research is focused on Neotropical birds, with strong emphasis on the avifauna of Costa Rica, a small biodiversity hotspot home to more than 900 species of birds. I focus on museum-based research and employ a comprehensive research toolkit that includes genomic and morphometric approaches to unravel evolutionary history, assess genetic structure, and evaluate phenotypic variation among avian populations. Check the Publications and Natural History tabs for more information!
Research
My current research is centered around three key sets of questions about the evolution of birds.
Research
My current research is centered around three key sets of questions about the evolution of birds.

I am studying the genus Sporophila to evaluate the role of secondary sexual traits in speciation. Using genomic, morphometric, and experimental methods, I aim to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the group, including demographic changes and hybridization patterns. I also assess phenotypic variation and behavioral isolation between divergent populations. My research indicates that plumage traits can drive rapid speciation. Currently, I am using whole genome resequencing to uncover the genomic basis of plumage color and reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among all Sporophila taxa.

I am interested in the ecological and evolutionary aspects of brain allometry, brain modularity, and skull morphology across different groups of birds. I am particularly interested in the highly specialized family of hummingbirds, evaluating the effects of reduced body size on relative brain size, trade-offs between brain regions associated with behaviors, and the morphological adaptations of their skulls to accommodate relatively larger brains. I the future, I plan to use surface scanning and 3-D geometric morphometrics to evaluate skull morphology.

I seek to comprehend how natural and anthropogenic barriers shape patterns of phenotypic and genetic structure across the landscape, evaluating their consequences on effective population size, connectivity, and inbreeding. These studies have significant implications for conservation and management. I am currently collaborating with governmental institutions, colleagues, and students on several projects across Costa Rica and the USA.