Evolutionary genomics of the duck-billed platypus
Stephen Gaughran, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
The platypus is one of the only surviving species of monotremes, a clade of egg-laying mammals. These animals live in rivers and streams of eastern Australia and Tasmania, and show many unusual phenotypes including egg laying, electrolocation, venom production, and adaptations to aquatic life. The species is also of conservation concern, suffering significant population declines both in the past and in recent years. Understanding the genetics of this unique species can reveal important insights into mammalian evolution as well as directly contribute to the conservation management of the platypus.
Role: In this project, students will analyze platypus population genomic data, from curating raw sequence data to inferring evolutionary history. Students will choose an evolutionary or conservation genetic question that interests them (e.g., population structure, demographic history, population divergence time, taxonomic classification, genetic health, population viability) and spend the semester analyzing data to answer that question. Some of the work will be self-guided, including an initial stage of background reading and exploring the data through command-line software. Students will meet regularly with the PI to discuss progress, get help with computational troubleshooting, and share ideas for next steps.
Qualifications: Experience working with genetic data is not required, but competitive applicants will have some experience using the command line and in basic coding (python/R/Java/C++/etc.). Prior coursework that covered population genetics, phylogenetics, or evolutionary biology would be helpful, but is not necessary for motivated students who are interested in reading background literature on the subject.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences