My Research

I am broadly interested in the causes and consequences of recombination rate variation in Drosophila. Specifically, I am working to:

Both statistically and empirically look for interspecies recombination between inversions that are fixed between D. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis.

Inversions are thought to maintain species by preventing between species recombination. I am interested in the extent of this recombination reduction. Learn more about this project...

Examine patterns of recombination rate variation in Drosophila persimilis using a fine-scale mapping approach.

I am working to generate a genome-wide portrait of recombination rate across the D. persimilis genome using high-throughput sequencing and genotyping technologies. I am currently looking at how recombination rate varies within the genome and with genetic factors such as genetic diversity, divergence and various sequence motifs, etc. Learn more about this project...

Test for potentially male-mediated effects on recombination rate in Drosophila melanogaster.

For this project, I hypothesize that males have the ability to alter their proportion of recombinant progeny by influencing recombination rates in females and this trait varies among males as a result of standing genetic variation and/or male rearing environment. Learn more about this project...