About Our Research

We study the genetic control of sex differences in morphology, physiology, and development of the non-mammalian model, Drosophila melanogaster, using a suite of modern genomic and genetic tools. Currently, we have two foci of attention. First, we continue our long-standing interest in how germ cells are determined and differentiate into either sperm or eggs, and the germ cell loss and germ cell tumors that result when germ cell and somatic sex do not match. Second, we are exploring the sex-biased effects of chemicals on female and male viability, gene expression, metabolism, and behavior. These chemicals include a range of approved drugs and industrial chemicals with ill-defined biological impacts.