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If you are interested in joining the lab, there will be a Ph.D. and Postdoctoral position available in 2021. Please contact:
jblumens at ku.edu


Genomes are full of selfish transposable elements. In response to this threat, systems of epigenetic silencing by small RNA have evolved to limit the harm of TEs.



How does the epigenetic control of TEs influence gene expression across generations?

How do epigenetic mechanisms evolve?

How do TEs interact with the machinery of meiosis?
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How do evolutionary arms races shape systems of inheritance?



To answer these questions we use genomics, CRISPR genome modification, molecular evolution and population genetics.