| Field of Study: | Host-pathogen evolution and landscape genomics |
| Title: | Professor |
| Degrees: | PhD, Biology, University of Kentucky |
| Homepage: | Homepage/Lab Web Site Link |
| Google Scholar: |  Google Scholar |
| Office: | 285 Eastlick Hall |
| Email: | astorfer@wsu.edu |
| Phone: | 509-335-7922 |
| Fax: | 509-335-3184 |
| Mailing Address: | School of Biological Sciences Washington State University PO Box 644236 Pullman,WA 99164-4236 |
In the Storfer laboratory, we use genomic tools study the processes that lead to the geographic distribution of genetic variation. We use approaches in landscape genetics and landscape genomics to elucidate patterns of selection and gene flow across natural populations. Specifically, we study emerging infectious diseases, including ranaviruses in amphibians and transmissble cancer that infects Tasmanian devils as, major selective forces that drive spatial patterns of evolution and local adaptation. To validate candidate genes discovered through population genomics analyses, we conduct transcriptomics studies and use functional genomics tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9 combined with in vitro experiments. We also study species’ range limits – a central mystery in ecology and evolutionary biology is understanding why most species’ range limits are not demarcated by obvious geographic boundaries.