We are a reproductive physiology lab with an interest in
​how reproductive traits evolve, diversify, and adapt!

The Wilsterman Lab is particularly interested in the physiology that constrains reproductive output and the mechanisms that are responsible for variation in reproductive traits among and within species. We ask questions about two different types of variation in reproduction:
  1. What systems underlay stable variation in reproductive function (including adaptive variation in reproductive function)?
  2. Which cues and physiological systems does mom use to control her investment across a reproductive cycle (i.e., individual variation in investment)?
We combine neuroendocrinology, cell biology, evolutionary physiology, and functional genomics approach for both in vivo and in vitro systems to identify mechanisms underlying ecologically-relevant phenotypic variation. 

Dr. Kate Wilsterman

CV (Updated 03/2022)
  • About the PI: Kate grew up on the east coast but is firmly rooted in the West after spending the past 10 years moving around west of the Rockies. She has always been keenly interested in how organisms take information from the environment and turn it into reproductive "decisions". In her free time, Kate drinks a lot of coffee, enjoys a bunch of hobbies she is not very good at (including rock climbing, running, skiing, and random crafts), and spends time trying to laugh a lot with her husband and two dogs.
  • Current Projects: Grant writing, analyzing WGBS data in the background, and dreaming up more science!

Anna Bautista

Lab Manager (shared with the Williams Lab)
  • About Anna: Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Anna completed her undergraduate degree here at CSU in Spring 2022 in Zoology with a minor in Anthropology. Anna's background in research involves the investigation of the role of estrogen receptor beta’s in oxytocin neurons with regard to stress regulation between the sexes. Anna has also studied interindividual variation in learning ability in honeybees though her current research interests broadly include neuroendocrinology and reproductive physiology. In the future Anna hopes to pursue a graduate degree as well! Outside of helping with laboratory work, you can find Anna outside reading a good book and enjoying the sun or inside working on her countless creative endeavors such as painting and jewelry-making.
  • Current Projects: Organizing the lab and piloting hormone assays and histology protocols for studying how hormone production is modified by hypoxia during gestation.

Mya Voigtsberger

Undergraduate Researcher
  • About Mya: Mya is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Zoology here at CSU with the plan to graduate in Spring 2023. Although Mya is new to the research field, she has extensive animal handling experience and is excited to learn more about reproductive physiology under Dr. Wilsterman. Mya currently volunteers at the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary in Bellvue, CO and has been a kennel attendant/veterinary assistant since 2018. In the future she hopes to work as a veterinarian with a focus in either general medicine or wildlife medicine. Outside of school, Mya enjoys Dressage horseback riding, rock climbing, and hanging out with wolves. 
  • Current Projects: Quantifying maternal and fetal blood compartment volumes in deer mouse placentas​

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Gabe Koubek

Visiting Undergraduate Thesis Student (Nov. 2022)
  • About Gabe: From the suburbs of Boston, Gabe is finishing his bachelor’s degree in medical biology at Maastricht University in The Netherlands. His two main research interests are high altitude physiology/ adaption & general OBGYN research. In the future he will be applying to medical school. Outside the lab he enjoys alpine climbing, motocross, and welding/ masonry work to keep busy. 
  • Current Projects: TBD!

Collaborators

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