Research Area

am interested in understanding the physiological and ecological mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity, as well as the fitness consequences of these observed plastic responses. My research focuses on how the neuroendocrine stress axis interacts with other physiological systems to mediate developmental, behavioral, and physiological responses to environmental conditions in vertebrates. I am also interested in understanding how environmental conditions experienced during early developmental can alter behavior, growth, reproduction, and overall fitness during later life stages. To address these questions, I primarily study amphibians, but I have also worked with mammals, birds, fish, and people. My broad training gives me the unique ability to integrate molecular, developmental, physiological, behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives in my research program, and I have successfully published my work in quality journals that span these fields.

Current Members

Crespi, Erica (Principal Investigator/Director) Contact

Additional Information

Commitment to Diversity: The Crespi Lab is committed to providing opportunities for research and scholarship to students of all genders, cultural, ethnic or religious backgrounds, abilities, and socio-economic status. We recognize the value that such diverse backgrounds bring into academia, and understand the need to create more inclusive spaces for individuals that are underrepresented in science. As a lab group, we strive to uphold this commitment by educating ourselves on the issues that such underrepresented communities face and creating new policies for a safe and welcoming working environment. Individually, each of us has taken a direct role in this effort by serving on department and university-wide committees, taking on positions as representatives of our graduate student body, and becoming mentors for minority undergraduate groups on campus, including the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), McNair Scholars Program, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Scientista, Association for Faculty Women, President’s Commission on the Status of Women (WSU). We welcome new members who share these ideals, who are dedicated to uplifting others, and who will work to make the pursuit of science (or knowledge) a more equitable endeavor.

Contact

Institution: Washington State University

Web Page: https://labs.wsu.edu/crespi/