Dr. Joel Slade
Principle Investigator
I am an evolutionary ecologist and immunologist interested in how ecological change shapes host–parasite interactions and the evolution of the avian immune system. My research takes two complementary directions. In Cardueline finches, I study how urbanization influences the evolution of immune genes such as the MHC and TLRs. In White-crowned Sparrows, I investigate host–parasite interactions during the overwintering period — an often overlooked but critical stage of a bird’s life history.
Teaching and mentorship are equally important to me. I design courses that encourage students to think critically about science, communicate their ideas clearly, and connect concepts across ecology and immunology. In my personal lab, and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) labs, students gain experience in both field and molecular approaches, preparing them to ask and answer questions that span genes, hosts, and ecosystems.
Outside of research and teaching, I enjoy birding, playing video games (PC, Console, and Pokémon Go), karaoke, and spending time with my husband, dog, cat, conure, and taking care of my planted aquarium.
Current Lab Team (2025-26)
Graduate STudents
-Okposio Emmanuel
-Katherine Moua
Undergraduate Students
-Anneliese Roth (Honors Student and Independent Study)
-Oscar Sanchez (Independent Study)
Slade Lab Alumni
Graduate Students
Xue Her (Spring 2025): The effect of urbanization and sampling date on blood immunophysiology and bloodbborne parasites in Cardueline finches
Alexandria Singh (Fall 2024): Plumage coloration and body condition as signals of MHC class I diversity and genotype in male house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Lindsey Biehler (Spring 2024): Constitutive and genetic innate immunity of wild Cardueline finches against a harmful strain of avian Salmonella
Esther Fernandez (Fall 2023): Variation in Haemosporidian parasites and MHC class I in two subspecies of dark-eyed juncos exhibiting different migratory behavior
Joee Denis (Summer 2021): The effect of immune gene diversity and microbiome on fitness correlates in dark-eyed juncos
Past Undergraduate Students
2024-25
-LeAnne Gip (honors thesis: The evolution of MHC class I within the context of bloodborne parasite prevalence in overwintering white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys))
-Katherine Moua
-Anneliese Roth (STEAM Summer Student)
-Oscar Sanchez (CSU-SPA Summer Student)
-Elizabeth Leung
2023-24
-Andy Cabrera
-LeAnne Gip
-Daniel Santos-Mendoza
2022-23
-Parmeet Kaur (honors thesis: Heterozygote disadvantage for West Nile virus at MHC class I in American robins)
-Mackenzie Matheny
-Clarence Curtis
-Zachary Padilla
2020-22
-Parmeet Kaur
-Jiselle Cornejo
-Layne Brazier
-Gabriela Santellano
-Ramon Lomeli
-Madelyn Mason
-Cindy Nguyen
2019-20
-Esther Fernandez
-Aisha Lewis
-Raymond Ollivier
-Andrew Pachecho
-Taylor-J Sanchez
-Bailey-J Sanchez
-Gech Suong Ung
-Kathryn Baldozano
-Aneesa Carraway
-Parker Fritsch
-Drew Volpp-Garcia