Breda Zimkus Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology Department of Herpetology 26 Oxford Street Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Laboratory Telephone: 617-496-4632 Graduate Student Office: 617-496-4065 Fax Number: 617-495-5667 bzimkus@oeb.harvard.edu

I am a biologist interested in the systematics and evolution of amphibians and reptiles.

My research combines fieldwork in sub-Saharan Africa with the collection of molecular and morphological data in the laboratory in order to answer interesting questions regarding evolutionary biology.

My dissertation research focuses on the systematics of puddle frogs (Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) from sub-Saharan Africa. These diminutive anurans have given taxonomists a great deal of difficulty due to inadequate descriptions, numerous species (approximately 70) and lack of distinguishing morphological characters. I am using molecular data to construct a phylogeny of this notoriously difficult family. I will use this phylogeny to resolve the taxonomy of the group, as well as investigate evolution of karyotype diversity, body size, and reproductive mode within the lineage.

Phrynobatrachus natalensis (Ethiopia)

Phrynobatrachus parvulus (Malawi)

Phrynobatrachus pakenhami (Tanzania)

In addition to my research, I am currently the Program Coordinator of the Harvard College Science Mentors Program.