Population and Statistical Genetics in the Gopalakrishnan Group

The Gopalakrishnan Group has two different foci. First, we work on population and evolutionary genetics, developing and applying methods to understand evolutionary processes such as adaptation, selection and demography. To accomplish this, we combine ancient and modern DNA expertise with statistical methods developed specifically to answer these questions. Our current focus is on the evolutionary history of canids. We are actively studying the relationships between different extant and extinct canid species, with emphasis on the role of admixture in shaping their evolutionary history. We are also working towards building a similar research program in a few other animal and plant species.
Second, we also are working towards developing new methods to integrate different types of 'omics data, in order to answer questions about evolutionary dynamics in complex host-microbiome systems. To develop and test these methods, we use comprehensive multi-omics data from chicken and salmon, in collaboration with other members of our section.