Contact
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science - Biological Sciences
- venney@ualberta.ca
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
epigenomics evolutionary genomics phenotypic plasticity molecular evolution climate change molecular ecology multi-omics
About
https://clarevenney.weebly.com/
Research
Our research characterizes molecular drivers of phenotypic plasticity and their implications for acclimation, adaptation, and speciation. We focus on DNA methylation, an epigenetic, covalent DNA modification that influences transcription, alternative splicing, and mutagenesis. We aim to understand the potential for DNA methylation to act on an evolutionary continuum ranging from rapid, transient acclimation to induced mutagenesis, genetic divergence, and evolution.
Using a combination of field and experimental studies, we combine epigenomic methods with genomic, transcriptomic, environmental, and phenotypic data to determine the evolutionary implications of multi-omic variation. Our research focuses on fishes, especially freshwater and anadromous salmonids, with implications for our understanding of acclimation potential, evolution, and climate change adaptation, among other topics.