Hatib Kaira

Major: Biological Science

Research Interest(s):

“Causes and consequences of evolutionary changes in communication systems. Using a colorful group of North American freshwater fish called darters, we ask the following questions: Why does mating communication evolve over time? How does the rate of communication evolution compare with ecological divergence and other reproductive barriers? (Why) Are individuals attracted only to members of their own species? By addressing these questions, we’re trying to understand why male color patterns have diversified so extensively in this group, the consequences of that divergence, and what general principles about the ecology and evolution of communication can we learn by studying these beautiful fish?”

What does being a UMBC McNair scholar mean to you?:

Being a McNair Scholar for me means embracing the idea and importance of research in all different disciplines, a sense of unity amongst my fellow scholars and a commitment to self-improvement and helping others.