Understanding a Fish through Genomics, Microbiomes, and Microplastics

I’m an evolutionary geneticist and I’m interested in identifying complex patterns of evolutionary adaptations within fishes.  I use genomes and transcriptomes (genes expressed within a given set of cells or tissue type) to better understand adaptations related to diet, metabolism, and depth.  I’m interested in looking at the genetic variation of hemoglobin genes within marine fishes and how this is related to adaptations of occupying different oceanic depths.  Also, my research program includes understanding how gene copy number, patterns of gene expression, and gut microbiomes contribute to dietary specializations.  Also, we collaborate with the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research to determine what type of pollutants are found in marine fishes.  Overall, my lab provides insight on the molecular evolutionary and dietary processes within fishes to better understand physiological adaptations to their respective habitats.  Throughout my presentation, I will discuss some of my past and present research projects, and my academic journey which brought me to CSUSB.