You are here

Genetics and Genomics

Jill Fredericksen-Adams Endowed Lecture: The genomics of climate change adaptation (and extinction)

The ongoing climate change has put a spotlight on rapid evolutionary processes that could aid species adapt to new environments. However, many questions remain unanswered: What is the genetic architecture traits influencing fitness across environments? Is this genomic architecture predictable? Can we understand genetic constraints across multiple adaptive traits? How is genetic variation lost during extinction?

Aubrey Gorbman Endowed Lecture: Discovering the motors and brakes of evolution

One of the core features of evolution is its uneven pace: whereas some traits and lineages appear relatively inert for millions of years, others diversify rapidly. What causes this disparity? To what extent are inferences about the pace of evolution influenced by the traits examined? Does stasis in one phenotypic dimension involve rapid evolution in another? I will address these questions by sharing discoveries made from the study of Caribbean anole lizards and Appalachian woodland salamanders.

Genital coevolution in vertebrates and the overlooked female

Dr. Brennan studies the functional morphology of genitalia in vertebrates to understand their complex evolution. She is interested in coevolution because the mechanical interaction of genitalia suggests that male and female must fit together to make copulation possible, however, her work has highlighted the gaps in our understanding of female genitalia. She has worked with birds, dolphins, bats, sharks, skates and more recently alpacas and snakes, discovering amazing adaptations in all these groups.

Using structure and uncertainty to empower students

Students arrive in our classroom from a wide range of backgrounds; there is therefore very little that we can assume of our students’ prior experiences. How best can we draw students in and then meet them where they are at? Teaching is arguably about equity and inclusion, as a practice. My approach starts by first asking students to extend grace and kindness to themselves and to others – from there, I use student-centered learning and evidence-based practices to promote equity across the biology curriculum, regardless of class size.

Can cells walk & chew gum at the same time? Understanding how cells build tubes that fold and still function.

The study of cell shape has taught us many lessons about cellular function; however, we are just beginning to understand how this basic attribute drives form and function at the level of multicellular tissues. The goal of my research program is to uncover the emergent properties that cells use to generate and maintain higher-order tissue structures.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Genetics and Genomics