My research focuses on the "movement" of genetic information through space and time. I am primarily interested in the patterns of gene flow for organisms living in flowing water ecosystems. Prior to 18,000 years ago, most of NY was uninhabitable for aquatic organisms, being under Pleistocene glaciers. As the ice retreated, habitats were opened up and organisms were again able to colonize the region. Using genetic markers, the migration pathways used by different organisms can be delineated, letting us see how life history affects population migration. Another application of "genes through space and time" is in aiding conservation efforts. Genetic markers can be used to identify source populations for reintroductions (restoration genetics), as well as identify anthropogenic barriers to gene flow that may be impacting Threatened, or Endangered species. Lastly, I'm interested in how mating and dispersal habits influence the flow of genetic information across the landscape. If sex-biased differences in dispersal exist, how are phylogeographic patterns (genetic structure across space) different between maternally- and paternally-inherited genetic markers? Although I am an entomologist by training, my current research program involves fish as well as insects, and I'm always interested in examining new organisms.
My current projects include: