Research Interests

My research focuses on understanding evolutionary genetics of behaviors. I currently have three main projects. In the first two projects we are using a new technique called Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping to identify genes for behaviors and morphology. In the first project we are using this technique to investigate the genetic basis of behaviors in two species of Hawaiian picture-winged flies: Drosophila. silvestris and D. heteroneura. These two species have diverged to a great extent in their behavioral and morphological traits even though they share a close genetic relationship and habitat. We hope to identify QTLs for aggressive and courtship behaviors that are related to the speciation process. This project is currently funded through a NIH-MBRS grant.

In the second project we are using the QTL approach to examine the genetic basis of mating behaviors in populations of Drosophila melanogaster that have been artificially selected for altered life-history patterns. We have identified male mating behaviors that differ among populations with different life-history patterns and are beginning to identify genetic markers that are associated with these traits. We are in the process of examining these QTL for pleiotropy with other life-history traits to examine the potential for genetic trade-offs in life-history evolution. This project is funded by a NSF-RUI grant.

In the third project we are beginning to examine the population processes that potentially lead to speciation in two Hawaiian picture-winged flies: Drosophila silvestris and D. hawaiiensis. We are examining the population structure using molecular genetic techniques. We will also examine pre-reproductive and post-reproductive isolation among populations to determine the pattern of reproductive isolation among genetically isolated population. The Island of Hawaii offers a good opportunity to examine the hypothesis that the isolation of forest tracts by lava flows or other ecological factors contributes to the rapid speciation in the Hawaiian Islands. A NSF-Career award supports this project.