We use insects

to investigate dynamics of genome size evolution and sex chromosome evolution

Genomes vary widely across the tree of life. This variation is not just in coding sequences (genes), but in how much DNA there is (genome size), how it's organized (chromosomes) and accessible (euchromatin vs. heterochromatin). I am largely interested in:

  • Estimating genome size and its variation across the tree of life
  • Using genome size differences between males and females to investigate sex chromosome evolution
  • Using Drosophila species underreplication amounts to investigate the evolution of heterochromatin
  • Using the above information to identify unique species for whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses

I'm open to new questions and ideas! If you are interested in something else and want to work with me, reach out!