Overview
The role of mitochondrial physiology in animal evolution
I am broadly interested in how aspects of mitochondrial physiology influence evolutionary processes. My dissertation work tested how and if mitochondrial function mediates the production of ornamental carotenoid coloration to better understand the evolutionary dynamics of sexual selection for ornamental coloration and honest signaling. My proposed postdoc work will explore the role of alternative respiratory chain components in mediating the cellular and organismal response to oxidative stress. My future research will continue to investigate the interface of evolutionary biology and physiology including the consequences of mitochondrial-nuclear interactions, the genomics of speciation, and molecular evolution.
Current Projects
The evolution of sex, mitochondrial mutation rates, and mitonuclear interactions
AOX
The alternative oxidase (AOX) in animal mitochondria
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Facultative SexEnvironment-Physiology interactions on mode of reproduction
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mtDNA Mutation Rates
Mitochondrial dynamics and mutation accumulation rates
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Side Projects
Painted Bunting
Investigating the molecular and structural basis for the coloration of the most colorful bird in North America
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Sapsucker Hybridization
Hybridization, mitochondrial divergence, and ketocarotenoid production
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Volcano Shrimp
Population-specific ketocarotenoid production in Halocaridina rubra
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Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.
