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Education

2016 Brigham Young University - Idaho, B.S. in Biology
2021 University of Central Florida, M.S. in Biology

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Courses Taught

Biology II Lab

Career Specialties

Jacob LaFond's background is in the evolution of herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians), with a special focus on the evolution and ecology of invasive amphibians.

Professional and Community Activities

LaFond's thesis compared the genetic diversity of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes between native and invasive populations of North American bullfrogs (Rana Catesbeiana). At »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ he has begun ongoing research projects studying the ecological impacts and population genetics of invasive cane toads (Rhinella Horribilis) in Florida. He has also assisted with ongoing studies of the ongoing impacts of invasive Cuban brown anoles (Anolis Sagrei) on native green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), as well as trapping and relocating gopher tortoises (Gopherus Polyphemus) for St. Johns River Water Management District.

He is a member of the Herpetologists' League (HL) and the Society for the Study of Reptiles and Amphibians (SSAR). LaFond currently serves as the elder's quorum president at the Brandon Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Recent publications:

LaFond, J., Martin, K. R., Dahn, H., Richmond, J. Q., Murphy, R. W., Rollinson, N., & Savage, A. E. (2022). Invasive bullfrogs maintain MHC polymorphism including alleles associated with chytrid fungal infection. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 62(2), 262-274.

Kamath, A., Herrmann, N. C., Gotanda, K. M., Shim, K. C., LaFond, J., Cottone, G., ... & Stuart, Y. E. (2020). Character displacement in the midst of background evolution in island populations of Anolis lizards: A spatiotemporal perspective. Evolution, 74(10), 2250-2264.