TJ Firneno
He/Him
I am gay and I am an evolutionary biologist.//
I am currently a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Denver studying hybridization and speciation dynamics. Broadly, my research interests focus on understanding the processes that influence the origin and maintenance of species diversity and that lead to the evolution of biological novelties. To do this I use a biodiversity genomics approach through the integration of field work, museum science, multiple “omic” techniques, evolutionary biology, and ecology.
As a cis white man, my journey has been easier than some, but I have still had challenges along the way. Throughout my undergraduate and part of my graduate career I did not feel a sense of belonging in research/academia, primarily because I lacked LGBTQ+ mentors. When I finally was afforded out mentors, it opened my eyes to the fact that I belonged in academia and could be out/my authentic self. One of my biggest goals as a researcher/teacher is to be an ally/mentor to LGBTQ+ students and to ensure that the next STEM generation has diverse role models, help the current generation recognize that they are not alone, and create opportunities for community connections and greater visibility within biology and STEM.