• PI: Angelo
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J. Angel Soto-Centeno
I’m interested in population level processes and combine phylogeography, species distribution modeling, and fossils to solve evolutionary & demographic questions. I study recent mammal extinctions in the Caribbean, primarily in bats. I use genetic, fossil, and distribution model data to examine how recent climate change (i.e. from Pleistocene to Holocene) and anthropogenic habitat change affected populations of island bats. The combined use of these data is powerful and help us evaluate hypotheses about the evolutionary processes that shaped island bats and how they reacted to climate change and habitat change from past to present. By using this framework, I hope to improve our understanding of what happens to these bats today and better predict what may happen to them in the future. This program is question-driven and I have also applied these tools to other systems (e.g. rodents, cervids, and amphibians) in island and mainland environments. Other areas of research in my lab include questions on demography, population connectivity, community composition, and natural history of mammals of New Jersey. ​
Check out Angelo's Google Scholar or Research Gate profile for a sample of publications.
Get an up-to-date version of Angelo's CV here.
Rutgers faculty profile: www.ncas.rutgers.edu/angelo-soto-centeno

Student research at ​the SLaBB: Rutgers – Newark

Post-doctoral Scholars
Camilo Calderón –
Graduate Students
Ian Hays –
​Erin McHale –
Undergraduate Students
Ashley Moraski –
Kendall Sweeney –
​Katherine Vasquez –
Interested in our studies? 
Assistant Professor at Rutgers – If you are interested in biogeography, ecological niche modeling, paleontology, phylogeography, and systematics of bats, or other mammals, contact me at angelo.soto[at]rutgers.edu to discuss potential project ideas & chat about the program. A number of research opportunities for undergraduates from Rutgers will also be available (check this link before inquiring). 
How to apply:
  • For PhD or MS degrees go here.
  • For undergrads looking for research opportunities first go here.

No funded post-doc positions open at this time. If you are interested in applying for funding and joining the SLaBB, reach out!

Past members at AMNH and FLMNH (* = published work)

12. Brianna Thai (AMNH. NSF SRMP, Brooklyn Technical High School, Fall 2015–Spring 2016)
11. Cherena Bradley (AMNH. NSF SRMP, Health Professions High School, Fall 2015–Spring 2016)
10. Aja C. Marcato (AMNH. MS Long Island University, LIU Post, Summer–Fall 2014)
9. Maggie O’Brien* (AMNH. NSF REU, Manhattan College, Summer 2014–Spring 2015)
8. Lauren Frankel (AMNH. High School Intern, Bergen County Academies, Fall 2014–Spring 2015)
7. Tali Magori (AMNH. Tel Aviv University PhD visiting scientist, Fall 2014)
6. Isabel Gomez (AMNH. Undergraduate Intern, Harvard University, Summer 2014)
5. Melina G. Marte* (FLMNH. BS University of Florida, Fall 2010–Spring 2013)
4. Brandi Jo Petronio (FLMNH. BS University of Florida, Spring–Fall 2012)
3. Kristin C. Magrini­­­ (FLMNH. BS University of Florida, Fall 2011–Spring 2012)
2. Sergio C. Gonzalez* (FLMNH. BS University of Florida, Spring–Fall 2009)
1. Lisa N. Barrow* (FLMNH. BS University of Florida, Spring–Summer 2009

We have terrific collaborations with:

Nancy Albury (National Museum of the Bahamas)
Frank T. Burbkrink (American Museum of Natural History)
Luis Díaz (Museo Nacional de Historial Natural de Cuba)
Janet Franklin (Arizona State University)
Marcelo Gehara (American Museum of Natural History)
Carlos A. Mancina (Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática de Cuba)
C. Miguel Pinto (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History)
Chris Raxworthy (American Museum of Natural History)
David L. Reed (Florida Museum of Natural History)
Gilberto Silva Taboada (Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba)
Nancy B. Simmons (American Museum of Natural History)
Brian T. Smith (American Museum of Natural History)
David W. Steadman (Florida Museum of Natural History)
Nate Upham (Yale University)