My research program uses
the tools of molecular systematics
and population genetics to
investigate the evolution
and biogeography of marine
invertebrates. As part of
our evolutionary work, we
have discovered a series
of nested mitochondrial gene
rearrangements that characterize
the repeated evolution of
the crab-like form in hermit
crabs and their relatives.
We are also actively pursuing
the systematics and evolution
of the wonderfully complex
but greatly understudied
hydrozoans. Our biogeographic
work uses genetic information
to infer recent population
history. We have discovered
that most invertebrates on
the American side of the
North Atlantic have recently
immigrated for Europe, most
likely since the last ice
age.
