Mammalian evolutionary genomics,
hybridization, adaptation, and
speciation.
Structural genomic variation and adaptation
I am working with Jon Velotta at the University of Denver to investigate the role of structural genomic variation, such as chromosomal inversions, in adaptation to extreme environments like high-altitude. Structural genomic variation can play a key role in adaptation by working to preserve locally-adapted genetic variation despite high levels of gene flow with non-adapted populations. I am characterizing the structural genomic landscape of high- and low-altitude populations of deer mice and assessing what role these inversion play in shaping gene regulation underlying key physiological adaptations such as thermogenesis, cardiovascular function, and reproduction.
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Evolution of male reproduction at high altitude
With Jon Velotta, I am also investigating the evolution of male reproduction in high-altitude deer mice. High-altitude environments impose intense selective pressure on local inhabitants who must deal with extremely cold temperatures and low oxygen availability. The physiological adaptations underlying thermogenesis and cardiovascular function have been well-characterized in deer mice, but it is unclear whether there are reproductive trade-offs that are an outcome of increased survival. I am using a combination of histology and transcriptomics to characterize the genomic mechanisms underlying altered male reproduction in high-altitude deer mice.
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Comparative spermatogenesis in rodentsI work with Erica Larson to investigate sex chromosome and regulatory evolution during spermatogenesis across rodents, especially as it relates to hybrid disfunction and sterility in house mice, Algerian mice, and dwarf hamsters. Hybrid male sterility is a common reproductive isolating mechanism in mammals, and evidence increasingly points to a role of disrupted gene regulation underlying this reproductive barrier.
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Population Dynamics of Cottontail RabbitsAnthropogenic change, such as urbanization and habitat disturbance, is altering geographic barriers that have historically separated species, leading to the formation of new hybrid zones. We can use these human-generated hybrid zones to study the evolution of species boundaries – their origins, maintenance, or potential collapse. I have investigated species distributions as well as past and current gene flow in eastern, mountain, and desert cottontails across the Rocky Mountains to investigate how urbanization is affecting species barriers in this group of species.
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Vomeronasal receptor evolution in mouse lemursI have worked with Anne Yoder at the Duke University to investigate the evolution of pheromone-detection systems in nocturnal lemurs using genomic datasets.
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Evolution of primate neurodegenerative diseaseI have worked with Peter Larsen at the University of Wisconsin to investigate retrotransposon-related neurodegenerative disease in primates.
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