Current Research

Understanding Human Evolution Through Time

Our lab investigates how migration, admixture, and natural selection have shaped genetic diversity in human populations over thousands of years. We combine ancient DNA with modern genomic data to directly track evolutionary changes through history. This approach allows us to identify when and how major cultural and environmental transitions, such as the spread of farming, technological innovations, and large-scale population movements, left lasting marks on the human genome.

Demography and the Dynamics of Adaptation

A central theme in our work is understanding the relationship between demographic change and adaptation. Population movements and mixing can introduce beneficial alleles into new environments, accelerating adaptation. At the same time, these same processes can mask signals of older selection, making them invisible in modern genetic data. We also investigate how fluctuating selection—where selection pressures change in direction or intensity over time—affects genetic diversity both locally and across the genome. To address these questions, we develop statistical and computational tools tailored to ancient DNA, enabling us to track adaptation through time, detect episodes of selection, and reconstruct the evolutionary history of traits related to diet, immunity, and health.

Integrating Genetics with Archaeology and Environment

Our research extends beyond DNA sequences to incorporate archaeological, environmental, and microbiome data. This interdisciplinary approach situates genetic changes within the broader historical and ecological context, revealing how humans have responded—both genetically and culturally—to shifting environments, changing diets, and evolving disease pressures. By linking genetic patterns with material culture, climate records, and health indicators, we build a richer picture of how evolutionary processes have shaped human populations over millennia.