Research
I work broadly in the field of evolutionary genomics and the diversity of topics is reflected in my work. I largely focus on genome evolution among non-model vertebrates under a comparative genomic framework. I regularly use both novel and publicly available data to study the evolution of genes and genomes through time.
Transposable elements and defenses against them
Transposable elements (TEs) make up large fractions of most vertebrate genomes which can be problematic so genomes encode an immune system that regulates their mobilization. Among defenses are PIWI proteins and associated piRNAs which slow TE mobilization through post-transcriptional silencing. I want to better understand they dynamics between TEs and PIWIs/piRNAs and how the defenses respond to varying genomic stressors.
Gene families
Due to multiple rounds of whole genome duplication both on the crown vertebrates and lineages, gene families are common in vertebrate genomes. I take advantage of an abundance of public annotation data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of gene families among vertebrates. I like to understand the origins of novel paralogs and the events that led to them (whole genome, segmental, or tandem duplication) and the selective pressures that drive novel functions. Understanding the duplication history of ecologically relevant genes (like olfactory receptors) can provide clues into how species invade new niches.
Adaptation
Adaptation is a driving force of evolutionary change. Whether I'm trying to find evidence of adaptation or not, it appears in genomic data rather frequently. I studied signals of adaptation in salivary glands from both bats and rodents. Salivary glands exhibit morphological plasticity within and among closely related species. In rodents, salivary glands have been recruited to facilitate mate recognition, and several genes evolve in a manner consistent with mate sexual selection. Phylostomid bats exhibit some of the most varied dietary strategies and I am interested in how salivary glands genes help facilitate communication and dietary specializations.
Transposable elements and defenses against them
Transposable elements (TEs) make up large fractions of most vertebrate genomes which can be problematic so genomes encode an immune system that regulates their mobilization. Among defenses are PIWI proteins and associated piRNAs which slow TE mobilization through post-transcriptional silencing. I want to better understand they dynamics between TEs and PIWIs/piRNAs and how the defenses respond to varying genomic stressors.
Gene families
Due to multiple rounds of whole genome duplication both on the crown vertebrates and lineages, gene families are common in vertebrate genomes. I take advantage of an abundance of public annotation data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of gene families among vertebrates. I like to understand the origins of novel paralogs and the events that led to them (whole genome, segmental, or tandem duplication) and the selective pressures that drive novel functions. Understanding the duplication history of ecologically relevant genes (like olfactory receptors) can provide clues into how species invade new niches.
Adaptation
Adaptation is a driving force of evolutionary change. Whether I'm trying to find evidence of adaptation or not, it appears in genomic data rather frequently. I studied signals of adaptation in salivary glands from both bats and rodents. Salivary glands exhibit morphological plasticity within and among closely related species. In rodents, salivary glands have been recruited to facilitate mate recognition, and several genes evolve in a manner consistent with mate sexual selection. Phylostomid bats exhibit some of the most varied dietary strategies and I am interested in how salivary glands genes help facilitate communication and dietary specializations.