We study the evolutionary response of populations to environmental change. We are  interested in understanding how genetic exchange between populations and species alters the rates and mechanisms of adaptation when populations are facing environmental stress. For this, we use the microbe Baker’s yeast (or budding yeast – Saccharomyces spp.) as a model system, and a combination of experimental evolution and next generation sequencing. Saccharomyces can reproduce asexually as well as sexually, which makes it a great system to study hybridization.

Some  current projects are

  • Can hybridization facilitate the colonization of novel environments?
  • Is there an optimal genetic outcrossing distance that maximizes hybrid fitness?
  • What is the genetic architecture of fitness and adaptation under environmental stress?
  • How do adaptive dynamics from standing genetic variation differ from adaptation through de novo mutations?
  • How does the rate of environmental change (e.g. gradual vs. abrupt) affect adaptation
  • What is the evolutionary significance of aneuploidy, and how does it affect hybrid fitness?
  • Hybridization and pathogenesis: What is the significance of hybridization between pathogenic strains for public health?

If you are interested in any of the above or related questions, please contact

We are always looking for interested Master’s students, who want to join the lab! See available projects here.