"I am interested in the evolution of species differences, especially with respect to brain and behavior. Most of my work is on primates, but with my research group, we have also performed studies on other species. We are focusing on evolutionary differences in gene regulation, transcription factors and non-coding RNAs and how they determine phenotypic differences."

"We study extremophile microbial communities in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, to gain insights into how microbial diversity and dynamics are correlated with gradients of temperature and light. We use comparative genomics, meta-omics data and single amplified genomes to quantify the role of genomic micro-diversity, horizontal gene transfer, host-phage coevolution and metabolic versatility in these communities. I will frame our findings in the context of how our collaborations with computational and evolutionary biologists have enhanced our understanding of the dynamics of phototrophic communities and how physical parameters (e.g. light) in combination with genetic diversity shape the microbial world."