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Principal Investigator

Naim M. Bautista, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology (Physiological Ecology)

School of Biological Sciences

The University of Oklahoma

I spend my time trying to figure out how animals (and occasionally myself) survive challenging environments. My research covers animal physiology, phenotypic plasticity, adaptation, and evolution, which means my days involve everything from office to lab to fieldwork, and backwards. Outside work, I enjoy reading about science (yep, thats for fun) and then somehow I still want to talk about it during breakfast, dinner, and before bed. But I also like working out, playing chess, hiking, a good coffee, and good food.

Contact:

naimmbautista@ou.edu

Postdoctoral Research Associates

Paula S. Garrido Coria

Ph.D in Biology

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2022

I am fascinated by animal behavior. I am curious about how and why animals behave the way they do, what mechanisms underlie their behavior, and its implications for evolution. My work combines fieldwork, natural history, and quantitative analysis. Although most of my research has focused on bird behavior, I am excited to step into applying behavioral studies on mice and relate it with their physiology in this lab.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family (especially my nephew, Genarito) and friends. I enjoy being outdoors (birdwatching), walking, running, or simply admiring the mountains while drinking mate, a traditional South American herbal infusion. I am also love music, and I really appreciate and have admiration for craftmanship and artisanal art. Indoors I enjoy embroidery and cooking.

Contact:
paula.garrido.coria@gmail.com

Emmanuel F. Ruperto

Ph.D in Biological Sciences

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2022

My research focuses on understanding the behavioral and physiological mechanisms that enable species to persist in highly variable environments. I am particularly interested in phenotypic plasticity as a key mechanism underlying adaptation and its potential role in reducing species' vulnerability to ongoing climate change. I also have a strong interest in teaching and science communication.
Outside the lab, my most challenging—and rewarding—job is being the father of my young son, Vittorio. I often find myself thinking about random things. Latest one: If I were forced to choose only one book to read for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be 1984 by George Orwell—it truly blew my mind. Nothing beats an afternoon of good conversations with friends over mate.

Contact:
efruperto@mendoza-conicet.gob.ar
ef.ruperto.ar@gmail.com

Graduate Students

Maden A. Mazzutti

Ph.D. Student

BS. in Biology (Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2026)

Hi there!, my name is Maden Mazzutti. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. I am 26 years old. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. focused on local adaptations and phenotypic plasticity in Andean lizards at the IADIZA Institute, CONICET, in Mendoza, Argentina, and are co-adviced by Nadia and Naim.
My expertise lies in ecophysiology and animal behavior; however, I have also studied paleobiology and entomological anatomy and have participated in teaching projects at the high school and university levels. Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time with friends and family; I consider myself a very sociable person who really enjoys the company of the people I love. My favourite thing to do is go to the mountains and enjoy nature; I love animals (all of them). I really enjoy going for a run and cooking in my spare time.