My research interests are on how the biogeographic histories of species impact their response to their surrounding biotic and abiotic environments. My current research is on the Molecular Evolution of Insect Defence Genes in Forest Tree Populations. The ability for tree species to adapt defences towards their fast-evolving natural herbivorous or insect enemies will be a key attribute to the longevity and ecosystem health of forests, especially as insect outbreaks are projected to increase under the changing climate. I aim to understand the phenotypic and genetic variation in insect resistant traits on a biogeographical scale, across different populations of white spruce (Picea glauca) from North America and Norway spruce (Picea abies) from Eurasia, and understand its ecological implications.
