Yale evolutionary biologist and YIBS faculty affiliate Martha Muñoz, whose study of the “brakes and motors” of evolution in reptiles, amphibians, and fishes has yielded novel insights into the effects of behavior and biomechanics on how organisms evolve, has been named a 2024 MacArthur fellow.

Known as the “genius” grant, the fellowship recognizes “extraordinarily talented and creative individuals” with a track record of excellence — working in a range of fields and disciplines — and helps them pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations for the betterment of human society. The fellowships are awarded annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Each recipient receives an $800,000 stipend over five years which they can spend however they wish. They are nominated anonymously by leaders in their respective fields and are evaluated by an anonymous selection committee. Muñoz, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology in Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences and assistant curator of Vertebrate Zoology in the Yale Peabody Museum, is the 21st recipient who was actively serving as a Yale faculty or staff member at the time of their award.

Her work investigating the factors that influence rates and patterns of evolution — i.e., its brakes and motors — is reshaping our understanding of evolutionary determinants and providing critical insights into how changing environments and the day-to-day behavior of organisms impact long-term patterns of evolution, the foundation stated. 

For more information, click here to read the full article on Yale News or here for the full announcement on the MacArthur Foundation’s website.