I am interested in both fundamental and applied population genetics and genomics. My basic research is aimed at gaining greater understanding of the forces and processes that shape patterns of genetic variation within and among populations. At the same time, all major research projects I have been involved in have had a strong emphasis on technology transfer and serving the needs of breeding and conservation programs.

Projects

A population genomics approach to accelerating the domestication of the energy grass Miscanthus
Grasses from the tropical genus Miscanthus are believed to have great potential as a bioenergy crop, but their tremendous genetic variation is largely untapped. This project is funded by the UK BBSRC and supports Chris Davey as a postdoctoral research assistant and myself as a principal investigator.

Biomass formation and modification in Populus
Since 2007, I have been involved in population genomics research in Populus, with the primary aims of overcoming cell wall recalcitrance, while also increasing biomass yields under current and expected future climates. This project is part of the US DOE BioEnergy Science Center, and I collaborate on it with scientists from West Virginia University and Oak Ridge National Lab.

Structural polymorphisms as causes of heterosis in Populus
This project is funded by the US DOE Office of Science, and I collaborate on it with scientists from West Virginia University and Oregon State University7.

Re-sequencing and genetic profiling of native Welsh sheep breeds
This project builds on the PhD dissertation research of Sarah Beynon, which was supported by a Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship and Hybu Cig Cymru/Meat Promotion Wales. I have been supervising Sarah's work jointly with Dr. Denis Larkin.

I am interested in both fundamental and applied population genetics and genomics. My basic research is aimed at gaining greater understanding of the forces and processes that shape patterns of genetic variation within and among populations. At the same time, all major research projects I have been involved in have had a strong emphasis on technology transfer and serving the needs of breeding and conservation programs.