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I am a computational evolutionary geneticist. I study adaptive genetic diversity shaped by natural selection, particularly variation that impacts resistance to infection and evolves in response to parasites. Although I conduct basic research, much of my work illuminates host-parasite interaction and could lead to applications for disease control. I have held research positions at Oregon State University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and I continue to collaborate with scientists at these and other institutions.
Past research projects have covered topics like:
• Molecular evolution of antimicrobial peptides in frogs and other animals
• Global human population genomics including new tests for natural selection
• The evolution of polyploid genomes and sex chromosomes in wild strawberry plants
• Genetic basis of schistosome parasite resistance in snail vectors
• Population genomics of mosquitoes that transmit malaria
• Simulations of genetic variation in response to natural selection
• Evolutionary genetics of various other species including salamanders, pine trees, and salmon
Current and planned projects include:
• Population genomics of anopheline mosquitoes impacting malaria transmission
• Population genomics of aquatic pulmonate snails impacting schistosomiasis transmission
• Identification of candidate human genetic variants with plausible relevance to malaria
• Genetic adaptation of Plasmodium parasites in response to selection by antimalarial drugs
Learn more at: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=V0ecFf0AAAAJ
Contact Jacob at jacob *dot* tennessen "at" ronininstitute [dot] org
