The overarching goal of my research is to link 3D imaging, molecular and computational approaches to understand the developmental origins of phenotypic variation.
Currently, my research focuses on understanding how genetics and environment interact to lead to craniofacial birth defects. Many of these birth defects result in mis-patterning or morphology changes in cranial bones. The goal is to understand the developmental origins of these changes by understanding cell biological changes during the patterning and development of these bones. As such, my work integrates genetic and epigenetic analysis with 3D morphological analysis (micro CT and microscopy based).
Current projects in my lab focus on the roles on how various genetic and epigenetic mechanisms control variation in the development of the face.