Group leader

Technical assistant

PhD student
I study genome evolution in Arabidopsis lyrata. For instance, how ploidy and evolutionary history affects centromeres and transportable elements. The other aspect is gene flow between A. lyrata populations and genetic variation across the species.

PhD student
I am satisfying my broad interest in evolutionary biology using experience in botany, genomics and ecology. In my PhD, I study genome duplication in the largest aquatic plant genus using population samples we have accumulated over many years. I enjoy solving scientific questions through careful and purposeful data wrangling, supplementing it with hands-on work in the lab when needed. 

PhD student
I work with polyploidy-rich Brassicaceae systems (Arabidopsis lyrata, Rorippa and Brassica) to understand how polyploids establish and adapt to the whole genome duplication. I focus on polyploidy-associated shifts in mating systems, changes in methylation patterns as well as environmental adaptation.

PhD student
My research focuses on unraveling the processes in Arabidopsis kamchatica, an allopolyploid with multiple origins and a broad ecological range. The project delves into how A. kamchatica's complicated evolutionary history, along with independent hybridization events, has shaped its genome. By integrating population-level investigations, comparative genomics and cytological validation, my research aims to elucidate the role of chromosomal rearrangements in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of subgenomes within complex allopolyploid systems.
 

​

Project Leader

http://mustlovecones.com/
 I study polyploid adaptation in Siberian Arabidopsis lyrata and aquatic Potamogeton, focusing on genomic responses to whole genome duplication. 
Additionally, I investigate the (re)diploidization process using mosses and wild Arabidopsis species. My work on gymnosperm genome evolution continues in collaboration with Jill Wegrzyn, with a particular focus on redwoods.
 

Postdoc

https://tingshenhan.wordpress.com/
My research explores polyploidy as a key driver of plant evolution and breeding. This includes understanding its role in boosting biodiversity and shaping plant fate. Focusing on the genus Rorippa, we use comparative studies with its diploid relatives to understand the contribution of polyploidy into its global diversification and diverse adaptation.

PhD student
I am investigating the formation of polyploids in Arabidopsis lyrata to determine whether a genetic predisposition underlies their multiple independent origins in Eurasia. In a second project, I am investigating the molecular adaptations of diploids and tetraploids to their respective environments.

PhD student

I study genome evolution in polyploids, focusing on Neobatrachus frogs and polyploid strawberries to investigate how whole-genome duplication is associated with sex determination and sex chromosome evolution. Meanwhile, I explore the evolutionary history of the RTSW resistance gene in tobacco and its role in breeding. Additionally, I analyze introgression landscapes in polyploid systems to understand how gene flow shapes genetic diversity across different ploidy levels.

Project coordinator
My role focuses on supporting research project development and enhancing international collaboration.  I also manage business travel planning for the research team and coordinate international partnerships. Additionally, I design and implement onboarding programs for new staff members and contribute to building and maintaining our research website. 

PhD student
My research focuses on unraveling the genomic basis of sex differentiation in polyploid strawberries, particularly tetraploid Fragaria orientalis and hexaploid Fragaria moschata. Using long-read sequencing and population-level genetic data, I aim to trace their evolutionary history and identify key genetic factors involved in sex determination.