Secondary contact in lowland Panama
Hybrid zones offer a unique window into the speciation process. What has to happen in the genome to cement diverging populations as unique species? Comparative studies with genomic data can give us a unique perspective into the drivers of differentiation, and how divergence unfolds across the genome.
Evolutionary genomics of Anolis
The anole ecomorphs of the Greater Antilles are a classic system to investigate patterns of adaptation and diversification in islands. What are the genomic underpinnings that behind this radiation? My postdoc work with Ian Wang at UC Berkeley will be exploring whether common genomic mechanisms underlie convergent ecomorphs, and how environmental gradients shape selection within ecomorphs.
Rapid speciation in high-Andean hummingbirds
What’s the smallest possible change that makes a species? Can a mere single gene create reproductive isolation? Can it sustain it? Using low-coverage genomes in a recent radiation of hummingbirds, the Sunbeams (genus Aglaeactis), these questions can be explored.
Gene flow in Beringia
The dynamic landscape of Beringia- link between North America and Asia- provides a special look into how gene flow impacts the speciation process.
Side projects
What’s the best way to get DNA out of a pitfall trap? Can you sequence antbird stomach contents in a hotel room in Panama? What’s the deal with gene flow in Catharus thrushes? And is the lack of hemoglobin in Antarctic icefish adaptive? Check out these past projects and scientific side quests.
