Research interests
I’m interested in how genetic diversity is distributed across space and time, and how populations adapt to their changing environments. I’ve studied this with an evolutionary genomics approach in a variety of systems. Learn about current projects below!
Herbarium genomics
Herbaria represent rich resources of biological and historical information. I am currently comparing freezer-stored DNA extractions that have herbarium-stored (room temperature) counterparts. By comparing these two storage approaches in a variety of Hawaiian taxa we will be able to make general recommendations regarding the archiving of DNA samples for areas rich in endemic taxa. This work is a part of a special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences that I am co-editing on the topic of DNA/RNA extraction protocols.
Population genomics of a Pacific Ocean colonizing plant species
Scaevola taccada is a ubiquitous plant species found throughout the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Typically found on dunes in some of the most harsh conditions (salt, drought, limited soil, heat) this species appears to be extremely resilient to intense environmental challenges. To better understand the evolutionary history of this species on the most populous Hawaiian island of Oahu, we are conducting a population genomics (RAD-seq) study to determine the colonization history (once or recurring) as well as the levels of genetic diversity in the context of a changing climate. We have sampled populations all over the island of Oahu as well as herbarium specimens from all over the Pacific Ocean to better understand the evolutionary history of this iconic species.
The Effects of Hybridization on Genome Evolution in Yucca
Yucca gloriosa is a hybrid species that has formed from C3 (Y. filamentosa) and CAM (Y. aloifolia) parents. Lots of physiological work has shown that genotypes of Y. gloriosa vary in the relative amounts of C3 and CAM photosynthesis that they perform. My work in Y. gloriosa is seeking to understand the genomic effects that hybridization has on the genome itself. Previous work has shown that some transposable elements families have expanded in the hybrid relative to both parents. I’m currently looking at whether transposon occupancy is correlated to gene expression and CAM photosynthetic activity. Additionally, I’m investigating the molecular signatures of adaptation in a range-wide sampling of genotypes as well as cyto-nuclear evolution in this hybrid species.
