Mentor Areas
Our main interest is in human evolution - and what genomic data can tell us about that process. We use data from both present-day and ancient humans to learn about the history of our species, and combine that data with information from medical genetic studies to learn about the evolution of complex traits, and the distribution of disease risk.
Description:
Our lab uses computational methods to analyze genetic data in order to learn about human evolution, and the genetic basis of human complex traits, including disease. Many projects in the lab are suitable for quantitative (math, statistics, physics, CS, etc.) students who want to learn about how these skills can be applied to biomedical and evolutionary questions. Equally, we have many projects that are suitable for students with interests in biology, evolution and anthropology who want to apply quantitative methods to problems in those areas. All our work is computational and can be completed remotely.
1) Human evolution: We use both modern and ancient DNA data to investigate human history, and the evolution of complex traits. We use present-day data to identify genetic variants associated with specific traits, and then use ancient DNA (from the genomes of people who died thousands of years ago), to track the evolution of those variants over time.
2) Human complex traits: Evolution contributes to differences between present-day populations. Our second focus is on understanding whether differences in demography or natural selection contribute to differences in diease risk seen today. In particular, we are developing statistical methods that can be used to transfer information about the genetic basis of disease between populations.
Preferred Qualifications
Some prior experience with programming (e.g. R or python), and statistical analysis would be helpful.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Mathieson Lab
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.