I am fascinated by the discovery of genomic linkages between ostensibly unrelated organisms – far-flung, millions of years apart – yet an evolutionary thread of inheritance seems to run through them. And on the other hand, there are several examples of morphological similarities belying considerable genetic disparity – the so-called cryptic species.

I am most interested in learning the skills and techniques used by evolutionary biologists and paleobiologists to trace back these hidden and often tenuous connections – between genetics, physiological and morphological traits, and the environment – to further our understanding of life.