Research

I develop and use genomic resources, including microarrays, in studies related to fish health. DNA microarrays allow a researcher to analyze relative expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. In my laboratory, experiments involving genomic techniques are used to identify the key genes involved in biological processes such as reproduction, development, growth, and immune responses to pathogens. We also study the transcriptomic and behavioural responses of fish exposed to environmental stressors including toxicants (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals). Some of the genomic techniques that we utilize include DNA microarray hybridizations, quantitative reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), and high-complexity cDNA library construction and characterization.