Albertson Lab

THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVOLUTION OF COMPLEX MORPHOLOGIES

Our research interests lie at the intersection of genes, development and evolution. For reasons of experimental utility and evolutionary richness, our experimental model is the craniofacial skeleton (and other neural crest derived structures) in bony fishes. Specifically, we are interested in integrating studies in laboratory models (e.g., zebrafish) and natural populations (e.g., cichlid fishes) to address two general research questions: What are the factors that contribute to craniofacial development? And what are the factors that underlie patterns of natural variation in craniofacial shape? Methods of study include quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, population genomics, genome-wide transcription profiling, experimental embryology, and quantitative shape analysis (geometric morphometrics).

For more details about ongoing research, publications and laboratory personnel, see the navigation bar to the left.

When asked, "Why so focused on fishes?"Craig explains, "There is nothing suspicious!""Their adaptable jawsGive geneticists pause;And except for the scales, they're delicious!" - Rudy Livoy (folk singer, poet, teacher, role model, friend)