KBS welcomes new postdoctoral researcher to Fitzpatrick Lab

The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station community is excited to welcome Dr. Jessica Judson, who is joining the Fitzpatrick Lab as a postdoctoral research associate.

Jessica Judson

Jessica Judson comes to KBS from Iowa State University, where she earned a doctoral degree from ISU’s Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology. There, she was a member of the lab run by Fredric Janzen, who now is KBS’s director. She also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University.

She’s interested in understanding the interactions of population dynamics and selection on evolution at the genomic scale—and, in particular, how past population demographic changes and selection shape populations’ ability to respond to future environmental challenges. Other interests include using genetic and genomic tools to inform conservation of threatened species.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her partner and their two dogs, and doing fiber crafts—knitting, sewing and cross-stitching. She says, “I find it is very relaxing, and I love the gratifying feeling of finishing a project.

“I think that often in science it takes a long time to finish a project, so it is nice to have a hobby that gives me that sense of accomplishment.”

Though she’ll be spending much of her time at Archbold Biological Station in Florida, Jessica hopes to visit KBS this autumn.

“I am looking forward to meeting some of the many great scientists working [at KBS],” she adds.

Welcome, Jessica. We’re so glad to have you join us!