Research in evolutionary ecology and evolutionary genetics
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Drosophila serrata. Photo by A. Morin
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Welcome to our website!
Our collective interests span a diverse range of topics in evolutionary ecology and evolutionary genetics. Currently, much of the work in the lab focuses on understanding the contribution of sexual selection to adaptation and the purging of deleterious mutations, and in particular how sexual conflict may contribute to this and how its effects may vary with ecology. We are also studying the evolutionary divergence of mate preferences and how this may generate assortative mating that can contribute to both initiating and completing the speciation process. Information about these and other projects can be found on our Research page.
Our approach to these and other topics is empirical and utilizes both laboratory and field studies, the former including various species of Drosophila (e.g., D. melanogaster, D. serrata, D. recens, D. subquinaria), the fungus Aspergillus nidulans, and the antler fly, Protopiophila litigata. Our field system is based out of the Wildlife Research Station in the beautiful Algonquin Park, working with antler flies (and hopefully soon, some relatives as well). Most of what we do involves whole organism assays of fitness, behaviour, morphology, and other phenotypes, although we also dabble in quantitative genetics and genomics. We have a particular interest in contact pheromones in insects (i.e. cuticular hydrocarbons and their derivatives) because of their role as sexual displays, and we have the facilities for their high-throughput quantification via gas chromatography. |
The University of Ottawa is committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. Our lab operates under, and fully supports, these principles. We welcome, and strive to support, members of all racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds, as well as those of the LGBTQ+ community.
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