My lab's research is focused on connecting sequence variation to genome function from cells to organisms. Specifically, the goal is to establish the mechanism connecting mutations to their phenotypic impact, and in doing so dissect the functional network and genetic circuitry that underpins gene function; and understand how the genome simultaneously exhibits robustness and flexibility against the backdrop of natural variation. 

Each of us carries millions of differences in our DNA sequence. Our genome holds the key for both disease and health. The recent realization that most diseases are highly polygenic argues that understanding particular traits or diseases require a multi-level approach to integrate across different scales from basepairs, through gene networks, organ/tissues to whole organisms. Our research specializes in using innovative new techniques like haplotagging and leveraging unique study systems in mice, fishes, plants and humans featuring complex traits under selection – often in parallel replicates – and applying a wide range of molecular, transgenic, statistical and computational methods to uncover the molecular mechanism behind evolutionary adaptations.