Our Research

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A major goal of our research is to investigate the roles of thyroid hormone in orchestrating zebrafish development, specifically the ossification and morphogenesis of the beautiful, complex fish skull. We are also working towards discovering new genes that serve as vertebrate developmental checkpoints, and evolutionary modifications that effect changes in life history strategies.

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Thyroid hormone

Thyroid hormone stimulates amphibian metamorphosis, but its roles in the development of non-metamorphic vertebrates (including humans and zebrafish) are not well understood. We use transgenic and modifications to thyroid hormone metabolism in zebrafish to study the effects of the endocrine factor on post-embryonic development.

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Skull morphogenesis

Changes to processes that form the skull underlie a multitude of congenital disorders, including craniosynostosis and cleft palate.  We are working towards understanding how craniofacial elements are integrated with each other during development, and how modifications to skulls and jaws affects function.

Developmental Coordination

Development comprises a complex series of individual cellular events, all of which must be properly orchestrated with one another. Despite biomedical and evolutionary relevance, coordination of these developmental events is poorly understood. We are interested in the molecular, genetic and endocrine factors that regulate developmental timing.

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Evolution of developmental timing

Changing the timing with which developmental processes occur can give rise to profoundly altered phenotypes and life histories. We are studying alternative life history strategies in teleosts to understand the regulation and modularity of developmental coordination.

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