My research focuses on the evolution, systematics, population genetics, and genomics of two of the world's most important malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. This work seeks to uncover the molecular basis for behavioral and physiological differences between these malaria vectors, thus providing important information for vector-based malaria control strategies. We are part of the renowned Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training at the University of Notre Dame and collaborate with many other research institutions in Europe, Africa, and the United States.

Currently my laboratory focuses on five major areas of interest:
1.) Population Genetics and Phylogeography of Anopeheles funestus.
2.) The role of the Y chromosome of Anopheles gambiae in molecular systematics.
3.) Comparative genomics of Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae.
4.) Genetic basis for differences in incipient species of Anopheles gambiae.
5.) Mechanisms for driving genome rearrangement in Anopheline vectors of malaria: transposable elements.

My laboratory currently consists of two technical staff (Olga Grushko, Marcia Kern), two postdoctoral fellows (Dr. Igor Sharakhov, Dr. Jaroslaw Krzywinski), three graduate students (Aram Stump, Andy Michel, Mamadou Coulibaly), and two undergraduate researchers (Michael Barnes, Mike Willard). We also work closely with members of the Frank Collins laboratory at Notre Dame.