Leon Blaustein Ecology Lab

My work involves the application of molecular genetic techniques and statistical population genetics to a variety of evolutionary problems, both basic and applied. I apply evolutionary approaches to human genetics, including the study of the genetics of complex diseases and the evolution of humans over the past 2 million years. This work involves the development of new bioinformatic tools at the single-gene to genomic levels. I also apply evolutionary genetics to conservation biology, such as investigating the impact of human activities upon disperal in the endangered Wild Ass (Equus hemionis) in the Negev Desert in Southern Israel and in the endangered fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmuculata) in Northern Israel . I am also investigating how the fire salamander adapts at the individual level to diverse environments via changing gene expression profiles.