Venom largely defines the ecology of those species possessing it and is a genetically tractable complex trait known to frequently be under strong Darwinian selection. These relatively unique properties of venom allow us to study the effects of strong selection on micro- and macroevolutionary processes and the underlying genetic details of these processes. We apply transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic approaches to study animal venoms and the roles of gene flow and selection in generating patterns of venom variation within species and to assess the relationship between venom properties and genetics to patterns of diversification among species.
We provide training in molecular techniques (protein, RNA, and DNA), bioinformatics, field collection/observation, and captive husbandry of venomous animals.