Research Interests

Our research group focuses on molecular phylogenetics and evolution of birds using nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs. We apply phylogenies to questions regarding the age and tempo of avian diversifications, and the resolution of taxonomic uncertainties. We use molecular laboratory techniques including cloning, amplifying and sequencing of DNA from both contemporary and museum samples over 100 years old, and DNA microsatellite analyses. Analytical methods used in evolutionary analyses of large data sets include Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and parsimony approaches to infer phylogeny as well as genetic structure within and among populations. Another research focus concerns the evolution and phylogeny of retroviruses, and their coevolution with birds and other vertebrates.

Facilities

Our laboratory is located in the Ruthven Museums Building on Central Campus of the University of Michigan and consists of about 1100 square feet in four adjoining rooms. We maintain an additional room as an 'ancient DNA' facility, which is dedicated solely for work on extracting and amplifying DNA from museum specimen tissue samples. We are frequent users of the University of Michigan DNA Core Sequencing Facility which has two ABI 3730 automated sequencers.

Collaborations

Most of the projects noted above are collaborative with other scientists from U-M and from around the world. Research projects on accipitrids and falconids in particular are conducted in conjunction with The Peregrine Fund and their international group of field biologists. Together with colleagues we are developing comprehensive web pages for Birds as part of the Tree of Life Web Project. We have initiated a similar effort for Viruses as well.

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