CURRENT PROJECTS

Autonomic Function in Hypermobile-related Phenotypes

This project investigates how connective tissue variation influences cardiovascular and cerebrovascular responses to orthostatic stress. We are particularly interested in why some individuals with joint hypermobility remain asymptomatic, while others develop orthostatic intolerance or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Using multimodal physiological assessment, we examine how connective tissue biomechanics, autonomic regulation, and cerebral blood flow interact across the spectrum from asymptomatic generalized joint hypermobility to hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.

The Epidemiology of Chronic Illness in Autism and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

In collaboration with the Saint Louis University Department of Psychiatry, this epidemiological project series investigates patterns of chronic illness and multimorbidity in autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes/hypermobility spectrum disorders (EDS/HSD). Our work examines the prevalence and overlap of conditions including EDS/HSD, fibromyalgia, POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) in autistic populations, as well as diabetes-related conditions in autism and cardiovascular disease in EDS/HSD. Through large-scale clinical datasets, we aim to better understand patterns of co-occurring disease and identify shared biological and clinical relationships among these conditions.

Archaic Genomes and Modern Human Health

Modern human genomes retain genetic variation inherited through ancient admixture with archaic humans, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. This project investigates whether archaic-derived variants contribute to variation in modern human health and disease, with a particular focus on neurodevelopmental, connective tissue, and psychiatric phenotypes. Current work examines traits and conditions including autism, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes/hypermobility spectrum disorders (EDS/HSD), depression, and suicidality, providing a paleogenomic perspective on the evolutionary history of human disease susceptibility.

Investigation of an Ehlers-Danlos-like Phenotype in Fragile X Premutation

Along with my collaborators at the Fragile X Research and Treatment Center at the UC Davis MIND Institute, we have identified and are continuing to explore an Ehlers-Danlos-like phenotype in a subset of women with fragile X premutation. We plan on studying the prevalence of the premutation in EDS/HSD as well as exploring autonomic dysregulation in premutation carriers with the EDS phenotype.

The Radiation-Constraint Ratchet: Linking Genomes, Morphology, and Deep Time

Why do major bursts of evolutionary innovation tend to be followed by increasing stability and constraint? In collaboration with investigators at the University of Kansas and Clemson University, this project tests the Radiation-Constraint Ratchet (RCR), a new model proposing that gene family radiations initially expand evolutionary possibilities while progressively building genomic constraints that limit future change. By integrating comparative genomics, fossil and modern morphology, machine learning, and evolutionary simulations, we are testing whether the accumulation of genomic constraint can help explain broad patterns of declining evolutionary volatility and morphological innovation across deep time.

Evolutionary Origins of Vertebrate Neural Patterning

In collaboration with Dr. Luis Puelles, an internationally recognized neuroanatomist/neuroembryologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Murcia, this project investigates the evolutionary origins of gene families involved in vertebrate neural induction and axial patterning. Using comparative genomics, protein phylogenetics, and profile-based homology searches across vertebrates and nonvertebrate deuterostomes—including amphioxus, hemichordates, and echinoderms—we are tracing when key developmental gene families emerged. The work aims to distinguish ancient, conserved molecular components from evolutionary innovations associated with the emergence of vertebrate neural organization.