Current research at Penn State:
I recently finished a project investigating how genes evolove on the sex chromosomes
after being translocated there from the autosomes. I used an ideal
model system, utilizing the recently released opossum and platypus genome
sequences, in addition to several eutherian sex chromosome sequences.

Currently I am working on studying how various life history traits impact
the magnitude of male mutation bias observed across mammals, taking into account
the effects of regional genomic variation.


There a many other interesting research projects going on in the  Makova Lab.


Publications:
2. Wilson, M., and Makova, K.D.. Evolution and survival on eutherian sex chromosomes. Accepted by PLoS Genetics June 2009

1. Wilson, M., and Makova, K.D.. Genomic analyses of sex chromosome evolution. Accepted by Annual Reviews of Human Genetics and Genomics June 2009


Other Research Interests:
* Inquiring what, if any, associations exist between mating behavior and molecular evolution
* Elucidating how evolutionary strata form and evolve on the X chromosome in mammals
* Comparing how life history traits influence the relative magnitudes of male mutation biased evolution observed across mammals
* Investigating ways to effectively and efficiently increase public involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields
* Creating interactive, educational and exciting science projects to engage K-12 students


Past Research Synopsis:
The Pennsylvania State University
         Evolutionary rates of autosomal and sex-linked genes, 2006-Present
         Duplicate gene retention in Arabidopsis thaliana, 2005-2006
         Evolutionary differences between primate Y chromosomes, 2005-2006
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
         Research Experience for Undergraduates: Mathematical biology, 2004-2005
Creighton University
         Feynman’s operational calculus: Non-commuting functions, 2004