Evolutionary genetics

Our group is interested in understanding the roles of demography and natural selection in shaping the life-histories, traits, and genetic composition of populations across a landscape. Our principal study systems are forest tree species and herbaceous plants. Our research is theoretically grounded in the field of evolutionary quantitative genetics: the study of the evolution of quantitative traits (such as growth) and its underlying genetic variation. We use genomic tools and statistical models borrowed from plant breeding to answer fundamental evolutionary questions and to aid adaptive forest management decisions. We use a variety of empirical approaches, statistical models, and individual-based computer simulations.