Dr. Brian Waldron

POSTDOCTORAL NETWORK  |   Global Change Center

Postdoctoral Associate

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Josef Uyeda

Biological Sciences

bwaldron18@vt.edu

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Dr. Brian Waldron is a Postdoctoral Associate in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on the biogeography and evolution of thermal physiology in vertebrates.

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Brian completed his PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Ohio University, where he worked under the guidance of Dr. Shawn R. Kuchta. He also holds an M.S. in Biology from John Carroll University and a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Philosophy from St. John’s University (MN).

Brian’s research investigates how genomic complexity—specifically the large number of different genes with varying thermal performances within an organism—can constrain the evolution of whole-organism body temperatures. He explores why some macroevolutionary studies show slow rates of thermal physiological evolution. His work includes studying phylogeography, phylogenetics, and niche evolution in woodland salamanders (Plethodon), a diverse group of lungless, fully terrestrial salamanders found throughout the Appalachian highlands.

Brian’s key projects have included the phylogeography of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus), where he analyzed genetic diversity, post-glacial range expansions, and lineage-level divergences. He found evidence of Pleistocene divergences and complex post-glacial colonization routes. Additionally, Brian is collaborating on the development of the first phylogenomic tree for woodland salamanders. His previous work also examined climatic niches and spatial segregation in P. cinereus and its relative, the Northern Ravine Salamander (P. electromorphus).

Brian employs a range of traditional and cutting-edge techniques in his research and is involved in active collaborations with researchers across the USA. He has presented his work at various seminars, including the Texas A&M San Antonio Biology Seminar and the John Carroll University Spring Biology Seminar.