Genomic and epigenomic of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations

In an evolutionary biology context, I am interested in conservation and population genomics of salmonids. During my PhD I focused on the genome-wide impact of repeated introductions of Atlantic and Mediterranean domesticated strains into wild Mediterranean populations. In order to provide a detailed picture of introgression frequency patterns across the genome of wild populations, I used molecular tools to detect the introgressed domestic haplotypes. Then I used the length distribution of admixture tracts to determine the timing of introgression, taking variation in local recombination rate into account. Since, understanding the evolutionary consequences of stocking practices is of major interest for the conservation and management of natural populations, I was interested in the positive or negative selective forces that modulate the genome-wide landscape of introgression.

Now, as a member of Louis Bernatchez’s lab, I am interested in genomic and epigenomic interactions between wild and hatchery born Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) individuals, within the EPIC4 project (Enhancing Production in Coho: Culture, Community, Catch). The aim is to understand the mechanisms that modulate the genetic and epigenetic landscape diversity within and between individuals. More specifically, I am interested in the evolutionary responses (i.e. plasticity, drift, adaptation) induced by environmental pressures. Understanding these responses is fundamental for appropriate management and conservation of wild populations.