I am a biologist interested in understanding the evolutionary processes that have generated the amazing biodiversity that surrounds us. My research interests range from lizard sociality and behavior, phylogenetics and taxonomy, to broad scale evolutionary patterns of phenotypic diversification. My work primarily centers on the African continent, with a special focus in Namibia where I’ve conducted most of my fieldwork over the past decade. In addition to research I thoroughly enjoy communicating my work through the mediums of writing and photography.

Currently I am a PhD Candidate at the University of California-Berkeley in the Department of Integrative Biology. My research is based in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, where I am studying the evolution of design in weaver nests in the Bowie Lab.

Website: https://www.jchilders.com/