Evolutionary genetics of sex differences, sexually antagonistic genetic variation, experimental evolution

Research profile

During the course of my research career I have moved from field-based to lab-based research, and have studied damselflies, fruit flies, and flatworms. I have also used a number of different research methods, including morphometrics, selection gradient analysis, molecular biology, quantitative genetics, experimental evolution, and genomics. However despite these changes there are some things that have remained consistent. Firstly, I have always had an ambition to carry out theory-driven empirical research. Secondly, I have focussed on the maintenance of genetic variation in populations and the importance of sex-specific selection and sexual dimorphism in adaptation. A large part of my research programme is currently centred on experimental evolution of sex chromosomes. However I am also involved in several collaborative side projects on topics as diverse as mate-choice learning, the role of epigenetic changes in adaptation, and intralocus tactical conflict in fish. You can read more about past and current research projects under each heading of the subsidiary menu.