My research uses phylogenetic analysis to understand both the evolutionary relationships and the timing of divergences across Isopoda. In particular, I am interested in the origins of terrestrialisation in isopods, as well as other evolutionary lifestyle and habitat transitions (such as parasitism or switching between marine and freshwater environments), and the genome evolution associated with these phenomena.
I am co-ordinating the collection and genome sequencing of all ~240 species of UK isopods for the Darwin Tree of Life Project. In addition, with collaborators from across the world, I am collecting and sequencing the genomes of representatives from each isopod suborder/super-family, to understand the timing and pattern of evolution across the order.
My timeline
Janet Thornton Post Doctoral Fellow, Wellcome Sanger Genome Institute
Post Doctoral Fellow, Ancient Biomolecules Group, University of York
Post Doctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Molecular Palaeobiology, Royal Holloway University of London
Post Doctoral Fellow, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA
DPhil (PhD), University of Sussex, UK & Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
BSc Hons (Genetics) First Class, University of Edinburgh, UK