Research in the mammal and parasite lab group is focused broadly in evolutionary biology with a focus on systematics, population genetics, and coevolutionary associations between distantly related organisms, particularly mammals and their parasites. In general, our research relies on field work and specimens from natural history collections. We use molecular and morphological data from recently collected and historical specimens to help elucidate broad evolutionary processes operating in distantly related taxa. Please see the Projects and Publications page for more examples of ongoing research in the lab group.

​Want to learn more about the Texas A&M Biodiversity Research & Teaching Collections? Watch this video from KAMU Public Broadcasting.

​**Dr. Light is NOT accepting graduate students at this time**
News!
News Archive
June 2026
  • Here's the info on Oluwaseun's new paper: "Molecular discovery of a unique Litomosoides lineage in the Gulf coast tick Amblyomma maculatum: First evidence of potential tick infection in North America: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101516
  • Congratulation Oluwaseun - Manuscript Accepted!
May 2026
  • Huge news!!!  Oluwaseun was selected to receive the 2026-2027 Mobil Aggies Future Faculty Fellowship (F3) Award for the 2026-2027 academic year. Congratulations, Oluwaseun!!
  • One manuscript revision submitted, one new manuscript submitted.
  • And that's a wrap to the semester! Congratulations to newly minted Master's Degree Graduates Brandy Craft and Haley Ellis and Bachelor's Degree Graduates Madi Bergeron and Holden Carey! ​​
Contact Information
Texas A&M University
Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology
Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
​Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics
Mailing address: 534 John Kimbrough Blvd., TAMU 2258; College Station, TX 77843
Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]
JEL Office: 268 Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecological Sciences (Building 1537). 979-458-4357
​Follow Jessica on BlueSky @jeclight

This website was last updated 10 June 2026