Our research group investigates how ecological, behavioral, and life-history factors shape the evolution of parental care, mating systems, and sexually selected traits.

Grounded in natural history, we integrate approaches in animal behavior, bioacoustics, morphology, and ecology with a strong fieldwork and collection-based component. We are committed to building an inclusive and collaborative research environment that values curiosity and field-based discovery.

Science thrives when people with different perspectives and experiences come together.

As a mentor, I recognize that who we are—our identities, backgrounds, and experiences—shapes how we ask questions, interpret data, and engage in research. We value and actively foster open, honest conversations that promote respect, humility, and continuous learning. In doing so, I aim to support lab members in building confidence, independence, and a meaningful research path that reflects both their academic goals and lived experiences.

Dr. Johana Goyes Vallejos

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Assistant Professor, University of Missouri

I am an evolutionary behavioral ecologist studying the interplay between sexual selection, mating systems, and parental care.

I earned my Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a B.Sc. in Biology from Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Before joining the faculty at the University of Missouri, I was a Preparing Future Faculty Postdoctoral Fellow in the Division of Biological Sciences at Mizzou and a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Kansas' Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum.

My research has taken me to tropical forests across the globe, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guyana, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. As a National Geographic Explorer, I continue to push my research on less-studied frog species, particularly those with unusual mating systems and elaborate parental care behaviors, on regions where our understanding of their natural history and ecology is still limited.

LAB VALUES

BELONGING + IDENTITY

We are dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered throughout their academic journey, promoting a sense of belonging and enhancing scientific identity.

INTEGRITY

We foster a culture of intellectual and scientific integrity by performing rigorous, ethical, and innovative research. This means more than just following best practices; it’s about doing science with care, honesty, and a deep sense of responsibility. We are intentional in the questions we ask, the methods we use, and the way we engage with organisms, people, and places.

ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATION

We are committed to sharing our science clearly and widely. We believe that research should be accessible, not only through publications but also through outreach and thoughtful communication across audiences. We view communication as a responsibility that helps science inform, connect, and contribute beyond the lab.

DIVERSITY + EQUITY + JUSTICE

We are continuously working to build an equitable research environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences. We strive to challenge systemic barriers in science and ensure fair access to opportunities and resources. Because our work spans international research sites, we also prioritize humility and multicultural competency to collaborate effectively and ethically with the communities where we work.

LAB MEMBERS

  • Sebastián Curaca Fierro

    M.Sc. STUDENT

  • Natalia Mejía Cepeda

    M.Sc. STUDENT