Using genomics to study our changing world
My research in brief
My research focuses on the genomics of small populations and the genomic responses of wild species to climate change. Using a combination of modern, historical and ancient genomes as well as simulations, I study the temporal changes in deleterious and adaptive diversity in a range of organisms of various threat status. Ultimately, my research is designed to inform conservation practices and facilitate the long-term management of biodiversity.
Genomic approaches have become and integral part of the conservation toolbox. Indeed, genetic indicators such as genome-wide diversity, inbreeding and gene flow have become increasingly important in wildlife monitoring programmes. These estimates can be used to assess the impacts associated with natural disturbances or human activities, define management units and thus improve the long-term wildlife monitoring and management.
Small populations are exposed to a number of threats, which are related to demographic and genetic processes. Recent developments in genomics have been instrumental in quantifying the amount of detrimental variation (i.e. genetic load) in declining populations. By using a comparative or temporal genomics approach aided by simulations, it is possible to quantify the effects of population declines on genetic load and thus to assess the risk of extinction of small populations.
Climate change represents an immediate threat to marine ecosystems. Species can either track their ideal habitat or adapt to new conditions. However, a lot of work remains to be done to understand the adaptive responses of species to sea warming. Using temporal genomics provides the ideal opportunity to study the genomics basis of adaptation and to quantify the tempo of adaptation to changing environmental conditions in real-time.