We have come far in identifying the genetic makeup of traits that underlie adaptation and speciation in various range of organisms. However, many of these studies primarily focus on cases with a relatively simple genetic basis on easily observable traits, which may not fully reflect the complexity found in nature. As an evolutionary biologist, I am enthusiastic about integrating genomics with ecological and experimental work to dissect the genetic and genomic basis of polygenic traits, such as behaviour and crucially its functional follow-up to obtain a more mechanistic understanding of possible biophysical or developmental constraints that lead to the use of particular mutations or genes in adaptation and speciation. To achieve this, I investigate cases involving recent range expansion and colonisation of species that rapidly adapting to novel habitats, capturing snapshots of evolution-in-action.

You can also find me on my official Sanger page here. If you would like to ask questions, comments or collaborate, feel free to contact me by email.