We are interested in understanding how selfish genetic elements drive the evolution of genomes, epigenetic systems and the machinery of inheritance.

What explains variation in genome structure?

How does the genome protect itself from selfish elements?

How do epigenetic mechanisms of RNA silencing evolve?

How does the genome respond to uncontrolled transposable element activity?

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

If you are interested in working on these problems, please feel free to contact Justin: jblumens at ku.edu