
The Anderson Lab
We study spatial patterns of environmental suitability ...,
and their ecological, evolutionary, and practical consequences.




ABOUT US
In the Anderson lab, we conduct interdisciplinary biogeographic research at various levels of biological organization, as well as promote human diversity in environmental biology. The overreaching research theme is to characterize the spatial configuration of environmental suitability for species, and study its ecological, evolutionary and practical consequences. This includes applications to conservation as well as the effects of climate change on biodiversity. To do so, we have been deeply involved in the development and use of methods for modeling species niches and distributions. Our current projects focus on the small mammals of the northern Neotropics and development of software for ecological modeling, the latter currently funded by the National Science Foundation. Recently, we have extended into the study of organismal traits in biogeography (as drivers of community composition; and with regard to local climatic adaptation). We embrace human diversity; our ‘home base’ is the highly multicultural CCNY, part of one of the most diverse, tolerant, and intellectually vibrant cities in the world.
Recent News
Welcome back Lazaro!
The lab welcomes back collaborator Lazaro Guevera for a week of research on the effects of climate change and landscape connectivity on Mexican shrews!
29 November, 2023
Erica Johnson emerges victorious in doctoral dissertation defense
August witnessed the successful defense of Erica Johnson's doctoral dissertation, "Determining the Influence of Abiotic and Biotic Predictors on Ecological Niche Models." Her dedication and academic prowess shine through in this accomplishment.
18 August, 2023
Gonzalo E. Pinilla-Buitrago published in Ecological Informatics
Gonzalo has added another achievement to his list by publishing the first chapter of his research in Ecological Informatics. The chapter, titled "Predicting Potential Range Shifts Using Climatic Time Series and Niche Models: A Neotropical montane shrew's case," is a testament to his contributions to the field. More information here.
14 August, 2023
Bethany A. Johnson excels in Master of Science dissertation defense
July brought forth a moment of accomplishment as Bethany A. Johnson effectively defended her Master of Science dissertation. Her work, titled "A 'Neighborhood' Approach for Using Remotely Sensed Data to Post-Process Species Distribution Models for Conservation Assessments," showcases her dedication and expertise.
11 July, 2023
Gonzalo E. Pinilla-Buitrago successfully defends his doctoral dissertation
In June, Gonzalo E. Pinilla-Buitrago achieved a significant milestone as he successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled "Expanding the Role of the Temporal Dimension in Ecological Niche Models: A Study on Mexican Montane Small Mammals."
28 June, 2023
Department of Biology, 526 Marshak Science Building, 160 Convent Ave.
City College of New York, City University of New York
New York, NY 10031
Robert Anderson office (817 Marshak): (212) 650-8504
Research laboratory (810 Marshak): (212) 650-8424
Robert Anderson at AMNH (Mammalogy): (212) 769-5989