Dr. James Skelton
Research Assistant Professor
Contact:
Email: skelto3@ufl.edu
Office: Rm. #2513, Fifield Hall
2550 Hull Road
Gainesville, FL, 32611
CV
About
James Skelton is a molecular ecologist investigating how symbiotic interactions among animals, plants, and microbes shape biodiversity and ecosystem function. His research uses environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing, metabarcoding, and ecological theory to uncover the diversity and dynamics of symbioses across natural and disturbed ecosystems.
Much of his work focuses on tree–insect–microbe systems, exploring how symbiotic relationships influence host adaptation, invasion success, and forest health. By integrating molecular data with field and experimental approaches, Dr. Skelton’s lab examines how environmental change alters the stability and functional roles of symbiotic networks. His group also develops new molecular and analytical tools to improve the detection and interpretation of complex symbiotic assemblages. Together, these efforts advance understanding of host–microbe coevolution and provide insights into how shifting symbioses affect forest resilience and ecosystem sustainability.
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Education
- 2015 Ph.D. in Biology, Virginia Tech
- 2010 M.S. in Ecology, Northern Michigan University
- 2005 B.S. in Zoology, Northern Michigan University
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Research
Research areas: environmental DNA (eDNA) ecology; symbiosis and host–microbe interactions; invasion biology and forest health; microbial and fungal diversity; quantitative community ecology.
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Teaching & Mentoring
Dr. Skelton teaches courses in biostatistics, ecology, and environmental DNA. His teaching emphasizes integrating molecular and quantitative approaches to ecological questions and developing practical research skills for data-driven environmental science. He mentors undergraduate and graduate students in applying molecular and statistical tools to study complex ecological systems.
- Publications