sproul lab

repetitive DNA, biodiversity, evolution

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I am a biologist studying repetitive DNA genomics as a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Amanda Larracuente’s Lab at the University of Rochester. I recieved my PhD in Integrative Biology from Oregon State University in 2018 under the mentorship of Dr. David Maddison. My PhD work focused on species delimitation, taxonomy, and repetitive DNA dynamics in ground beetles (Carabidae) in the breve species group of Bembidion. Prior to my PhD I completed a Master’s degree in Biology at Brigham Young University studying aquatic insect phylogeography under the mentorship of Dr. Dennis Shiozawa.

I love biology because I love the process of learning and discovery. The biological world is extraordinarily diverse and complex and I love challenge of discovering its diversity and understanding its complexity. I love learning alongside students and colleagues–discovering how we learn best and how to discover the answer to our next question. On this site I share a bit about about the passions I have discovered while pursuing a career in science. If you see something that strikes a chord on any topic feel free to send a note–it would be a pleasure to chat about your ideas or potential collaborations.

Research

There are over 1.5 million known species on the planet and likely many times that number of yet undiscovered species. What are the rules of life that gave rise to the diversity we observe? Why do some lineages (e.g., insects) have so many species while others have relatively few? My research aims to understand the patterns of species diversity and investigate the processes and mechanisms that give rise to that diversity. I approach this very broad question by investigating how genomes (i.e., the specific sequence of DNA contained in an organism’s complete set of chromosomes) differ between closely related species. In particular, I am interested in how repetitive DNA in genomes contribute to rapid genome evolution and the process of speciation. Several ongoing project use diverse insect groups (especially beetles) as models for understanding how repetitive elements drive rapid genome evolution and speciation.

Repetitive DNA

Large fractions of the genome in most organisms are made up of repetitive DNA elements. These repeated sequences can form blocks which can evolve more quickly than unique DNA sequences (e.g., genes). Repeitive elements have been understudied for decades due to technical and computational challenges associated with their sequencing and assembly. As recent advances in sequencing technology overcome those obstacles, work in model organisms is shedding new light on the critical role of repeats in genome evolution at various scales. However, we know little about how repeat dynamics shape genome evolution in naturally evolving species across changing ecological landscapes. My research program integrates field work, data generation, and development of new computational workflows to investigate comparative repeat genomics across phylogenetic scales in insects, with an emphasis on ground beetles. Studying repeats in a comparative evolutionary framework that spans populations, species, and diverse clades is a powerful lens for understanding patterns, processes, and mechanisms that underlie genome evolution, repeat biology, and the diversification of life. My research forms a bridge between the biodiversity community and the comparative genomics community. My long-term interests include investigating links between ecological factors (e.g., environmental stress), rapid evolution of repetitive elements, and the process of speciation.

Software develoment

Biodiversity

species delimitation and taxonomy

sequencing historical specimens

field work

Teaching

Mentorship

I believe that research and teaching activities should always serve as a vehicle of growth for students in the classroom and the laboratory…

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