My scientific interests are focused on the genetic basis behind variation in development. I combine functional studies with phylogenetic screens to discover the pathways underlying phenotypic changes and to examine the divergence of genes involved in these pathways. Early in my career I worked at the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Sheffield, where I examined variation in developmental mode and reproduction in two marine invertebrate species. In my PhD project I worked on elucidating sex determination genes and mechanisms in a range of insect species. Currently I focus on functional genetic work (e.g. RNAi, protein interactions), in combination with new sequencing technologies, to examine the molecular mechanisms of bacterial interference of sex determination. My teaching encompassed a wide variety of fields in biology, which is paralleled by my own education background, starting in ecology and branching from molecular biology to bioinformatics.

Courses:

• Research Skills in Ecology & Evolution 1 
• Research Skills in Ecology & Evolution 2
• Research Skills in Ecology & Evolution 3
• Genes & Evolution
• Evolution and Development
• Research Project Ecology & Evolution 1
• Molecular Methods in Ecology & Evolution

Organization:

Course coordinator of Research Skills in Ecology & Evolution (1+3), Bachelor Research Project Ecology & Evolution, Molecular Methods in Ecology & Evolution