About me
A full academic CV is available here:
Current position
I am currently a JSPS Overseas Research Fellow based in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, where I am affiliated with the Collaboration for Open Science and Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution (COSSEE). I collaborate with Prof. Shinichi Nakagawa on phylogenetic comparative methods, meta-analysis, and evidence synthesis.
Research background and interests
I am a behavioural ecologist with a background in evolutionary biology. My research focuses on the evolution of behavioural and morphological traits in birds, from sensory ecology to broad macroecological patterns.
Research trajectory
I completed my master’s and doctoral training at Hokkaido University, where I worked under the supervision of Prof. Masayo Soma and received my PhD in Life Science. During my master’s and doctoral research, I investigated the evolution and function of white dot plumage patterns in estrildid finches, combining behavioural experiments with comparative analyses.
Since then, my research has gradually expanded from trait-specific questions to broader, synthesis-based approaches. Through postdoctoral and visiting researcher positions in Japan, Australia, and Canada, I have increasingly focused on phylogenetic comparative methods and meta-analytic approaches to understand how ecological and evolutionary processes shape behavioural and morphological diversity across species.
Methods and research style
My work is primarily quantitative and synthesis-oriented. I routinely use:
- Phylogenetic comparative methods
- Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
- Bayesian and frequentist hierarchical modelling in R
- Reproducible and open science workflows
I am also interested in methodological issues such as heterogeneity, robustness, and transparency in ecology and evolution.
Beyond research
Outside of research, I enjoy walking and letting my mind wander.