The Primate Evolution and Genomics Lab (PEGL) is part of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Utah and directed by Tim Webster.

Our lab uses genomic data and computational methods to understand primate behavior, ecology, and evolution. Our work involves the development of software and methods, as well as the analysis of large, population genomic datasets. Current projects focus on a variety of taxa across the order Primates, as well as other nonprimate model systems.

Mentor Philosophy

In the broadest sense, my research program involves using computational and genomic methods to understand the processes responsible for generating and maintaining biological diversity in primates. More specifically, my research projects all aim to investigate one or more of the following topics: (1) the forces responsible for shaping macroevolutionary processes, especially speciation, adaptation, and lineage-specific demographic history; (2) modern and historical aspects of behavioral ecology and social organization, especially in regard to sex-biased demography and fission-fusion societies; and (3) sex chromosome evolution. In addition, I am actively engaged in method development to (1) improve the accuracy of genomic analyses and (2) enable highquality genomic investigations in wild populations. This work spans a variety of species, with current projects investigating both primates (humans, chimpanzees and bonobos, macaques, neotropical primates, and lemurs) and reptiles (desert tortoises and gila monsters).