research
Spatial control of neural crest differentiation
The neural crest (NC) is a special embryonic cell population that migrates extensively throughout the early embryo to lots of different spatial locations. This means that NC cell state changes must be tightly coordinated with their position in space. I am investigating how key cell state decisions integrate both NC-intrinsic information (e.g., axial identity) with positional cues to control NC differentiation in space.
Evolution of neural crest cell state transitions
I am interested in how developmental mechanisms have evolved to give rise to a variety of craniofacial morphologies across the vertebrate phylum. I am using a zoo of different model species, including the jawless sea lamprey, to compare gene expression in neural crest cells and their surrounding tissues and ask where the biggest gene expression divergence occurs. This will give us insight into whether NC-intrinsic or extrinsic changes can account for divergent craniofacial outcomes.