David Lowry: Difference between revisions
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'''Landscape evolutionary genomics''' | '''Landscape evolutionary genomics''' | ||
One of the core goals of my research program is to understand how the natural landscape molds the genomes of organisms through adaptation. To that end, I am using a combination of genetic mapping and genome sequencing approaches to identify genes involved with adaptation to the heterogeneity of the natural landscape. During my dissertation, I focused on how adaptive alleles in ''Mimulus guttatus'' are spread across the landscape and what phenotypic effects they have in different environments. Currently, I am developing ''Panicum'' grasses as a model system to understand adaptation along a soil moisture cline spread across the state of Texas. | |||
'''The role of the genomic structure in phenotypic evolution''' | '''The role of the genomic structure in phenotypic evolution''' | ||
Whether or not a gene will be involved in adaptation and phenotypic evolution is dependent on the position of the gene in the genome. Differential rates of recombination and selection across the genome can have a large impact on patterns of standing genetic variation, which is raw source of evolution. I am currently using multi-genome data sets to understand how genome structure impact phenotypic evolution. | |||
'''Using evolutionary biology to improve bioenergy crops''' | '''Using evolutionary biology to improve bioenergy crops''' |
Revision as of 12:25, 3 June 2012
Research Interests
The genetics of adaptation and speciation
Adaptation is the most fundamental way that the environment can mold the diverse phenotypes of organisms. Adaptations can also lead to the formation of reproductive isolating barriers, which are the building blocks of new species. I am very interested in understanding the genetic underpinnings of reproductive isolation at various stages in the speciation process.
Understanding adaptation is also crucial to predicting how organisms will respond to future global change and will help inform management decisions as well as guide future agricultural breeding.
Landscape evolutionary genomics
One of the core goals of my research program is to understand how the natural landscape molds the genomes of organisms through adaptation. To that end, I am using a combination of genetic mapping and genome sequencing approaches to identify genes involved with adaptation to the heterogeneity of the natural landscape. During my dissertation, I focused on how adaptive alleles in Mimulus guttatus are spread across the landscape and what phenotypic effects they have in different environments. Currently, I am developing Panicum grasses as a model system to understand adaptation along a soil moisture cline spread across the state of Texas.
The role of the genomic structure in phenotypic evolution
Whether or not a gene will be involved in adaptation and phenotypic evolution is dependent on the position of the gene in the genome. Differential rates of recombination and selection across the genome can have a large impact on patterns of standing genetic variation, which is raw source of evolution. I am currently using multi-genome data sets to understand how genome structure impact phenotypic evolution.
Using evolutionary biology to improve bioenergy crops
Civilization is built on a foundation of domesticated grasses. Without those grasses (corn, wheat, rice, oats, barley, sorghum) there would be no ballet and human beings would never of landed on the moon. Plant breeders have quietly worked in the shadows to increase the yield of crops and in turn maintain our modern world.
Now, there may actually be potential to domesticate a new set of grass species to use to help combat the growing energy problem. My research is focused understanding the factors involved in local adaptation in the bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
It is absolutely crucial however that bioenergy crops do not have an adverse effect on world food security. Therefore, I aim to couple my research with policy studies, new media, and reports to help chart the best way forward.
Publications
Lowry D. B., R. Hopkins. (2012) “Speciation and Natural Selection.” Invited book chapter in The Princeton Guide to Evolution, edited by Jonathan Losos. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. In press
Lowry D. B. (2012) Local adaptation in The model plant. New Phytologist. 194: 888-890.
Lowry, D. B. (2010) Landscape evolutionary genomics. Biology Letters. 6: 502-504
Important Things
- Contact Info: You can contact me at davidbryantlowry@gmail.com.
- Make sure to check out the Mimulus Community and the Texas Switchgrass Collaborative.