Our lab is interested in the degradation and preservation of DNA and protein in archaeological, paleontological, and forensic remains. We use state-of-the-art molecular biological techniques to extract these organic molecules and sequence them via standard sequencing techniques or mass spectrometry.

We use these DNA or protein sequences in an evolutionary framework to address questions of ancestry and relatedness, migration, phylogeography (the spatial or geographic orientation of DNA sequences), origins, and conservation to name a few.

Modern Biology is time trapped. Having DNA sequences from temporally discrete isolates allows us to follow evolution in action and address questions which can only be modeled with extant related organisms.

» The questions we address range from highly technical ones such as:
How long can DNA persist in various fossil or geological environments?
What affects the length of preservation of DNA in the environment
Can DNA persist beyond theoretical limitations set forth by the inherent weakness in the molecule itself?
Where can you find ancient DNA?

» To more evolutionary based questions
What was the genetic diversity in extinct mammoth populations?
Why did the large megafauna of North America (mammoths, sloths, horses) all go extinct?
What were the giant Ground sloths of the American Southwest eating over the last 40,000 years?
What pathologies did the Native Americans harbor prior to European contact?

We owe many thanks to the following agencies for funding our research