The Willoughby Lab focuses on evolutionary genomics of wild populations, with applications to disease management and conservation. We aim to understand evolution in ways that help us manage and conserve our natural resources and improve health and well-being in through this process.
Pathogen host-switching evolution
How and when pathogens switch from one host to another is a critical aspect of managing diseases. We are studying the effects of this host switching in a pine-infecting pathogen. We are using whole genome data to identify genomic variants that may have allowed this fungus to infect a new host. We are also evaluating expression of toxin-related genes to understand how we can mitigate the negative effects of this pathogen.
Pest control resistance evolution
Exposure to pathogens often arises due to the co-existence of vectors like mosquitoes in human environments. We are studying the evolution of vector-pathogen-host relationships to understand adaptations to resist control treatments. We focus on local-level evolution of vector populations, specifically concerning pesticide resistance and inter-population movement, and assess the movement of individual vectors that often spread resistance alleles and potentially new pathogens. The end-goal is a predictive model accounting for resistance evolution rates and the spread of resistance-associated alleles, which can forecast potential outbreak regions.
Epigenome evolution
Epigenetic variation is often characterized by modifications to DNA that do not alter the nucleotide sequence, but can influence behavior, morphology, and physiological. We use whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to examine trends in fitness and local adaptation at the individual and population level. Using a 17-generation banner-tailed kangaroo rat pedigree, we will examine multigenerational effects of the environment on the epigenome, namely DNA methylation.
We are interested in how populations respond to novel environmental conditions, particularly species of high conservation concern. We have built a model of the influence of migration of population recovery that we are modifying to understand adaptation in these important systems.
Population structure and fitness evolution
Understanding how fitness evolves and is maintained in wild populations is an important part of understanding biodiversity. We are investigating the evolution of fitness using a population of banner-tailed kangaroo rats that have been monitored for close to 40 years by the Waser lab at Purdue. This long-term data provides a much needed source of lifetime fitness information to fuel this work. In this project, are using whole genome resequencing as well as remote sensing to understand how genetics and environment have influenced fitness.
We are studying similar phenomenon in Alaskan caribou (Rangifer tarandus), an important socio-economic resource. Therefore, the state relies on a healthy and sustainable caribou population to provide them with their subsistence needs and economic opportunity. Unfortunately, caribou herds in Alaska have declined over the last two decades. We are therefore working on a collaborative project with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game that will allow us to better manage and conserve this important resource.
Undergraduate research interest?
Interested in this work? Please fill out this form to let me know if you are an undergraduate interested in working with a grad student in my lab.
