About Audrey Vanderhee

Our research focuses on generating the first genomic data for Merriam’s shrew (Sorex merriami), a poorly documented small mammal native to the mountainous regions of the southwestern U.S. By sequencing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, our goal is to clarify evolutionary relationships and discover hidden biodiversity within the Sorex genus. This work will improve our understanding of small mammal diversity in the Southwest Sky Islands, and inform future taxonomic and conservation efforts.