Welcome to the Pitcher Research Lab in evolutionary ecology and conservation biology. My lab uses fishes (including Chinook salmon, coho salmon, brown bullhead, redside dace and Trinidadian guppies) as model systems to investigate natural and sexual selection. My research aims to; (i) examine the genetic architecture of fitness using quantitative genetics (i.e. genetic quality of offspring, including candidate genes such as the major histocompatbility complex), (ii) provide insights into the selective forces involved in the evolution of mate choice for genetic quality (e.g. polyandry, sperm competition, cryptic female choice as they relate to good genes and compatible genes), and (iii) examine the relative importance of male and female roles/genotypes in terms of determining the outcome of paternity. My lab is also conducting research (i) to assess the extent to which mate choice for genetic quality can be incorporated into conservation breeding programs (captive and supportive breeding programs) in an attempt to improve the fitness of offspring produced for conservation purposes, (ii) examining the relationship between genetic quality, reproduction and aquatic contaminant stress, (iii) with our aquaculture industrial partner to improve aquaculture production of Chinook salmon on the west coast of Canada.