Evolutionary Genomics
How did species adapt to their current environments? What is the genetic basis of traits? How did species form and diversify? These are some of the questions that we can ask in the sphere of evolutionary genomics. We are currently working on a range of species with unique and fascinating adaptations and histories including, polar bears, songbirds and parrots, and we’re always interested in new species and new opportunities.
Conservation Genomics
Can we use genetics to predict population viability? Will genetic rescue be an effective method for restoring a population? How can we better guide management programs? Conservation genomics aims to harness the immense data stored in the billions of base pairs of the genome to guide and improve management decisions. Combining comparative and population genomics techniques conservation genomics can provide some of the most intriguing and fulfilling projects available within the evolutionary sphere. We have worked on conservation genomics projects for a range of species including Dama gazelle, grey wolves and pumas.
Environmental DNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging field that uses DNA preserved in sediments or floating freely in the waterways. eDNA can allow us to monitor the presence of rare or hard to find species and even examine how ecosystems change over time. We are currently working on a project examining lake sediments to understand the impacts of agriculture and development on Florida ecosystems.
Bioinformatics Methods Development
We’re always interested in developing new and better tools and applications for existing tools!