She have completed her B.Sc. from McMaster University  in Biology and Mathematics (2003)  M.Sc. from University of Calgary – Ecology (2007)  Ph.D. from University of Ottawa – Evolutionary Ecology (2013) and Postdoctoral Researcher, in Bioinformatics Research Centre, from Aarhus University, Denmark (2013-2016)

I use a combination of microbial experimental evolution, bioinformatics, and mathematical/ statistical modeling approaches to investigate processes that drive evolutionary adaptation and diversification. Currently, my research has two main themes: 1) What drives parallel or convergent evolution? Similar evolutionary changes arising in independently evolving populations, known as parallel or convergent evolution, are often taken to be evidence of strong selection. However, heterogeneity in mutation rate across the genome has the potential to play an equally important role. The relative contribution of these two processes and the potential for other factors to further modify patterns of parallel evolution in natural populations is still unclear and difficult to test. However, replicated experiments evolving populations of microbes have begun to provide some insight into the drivers of parallel evolution. I use a combination of experimental and statistical approaches to explore these important processes, with the ultimate goal of trying to understand if, and when, evolution is predictable. 2) Evolution in heterogeneous environments The world is heterogeneous across many spatial and temporal scales, and these complexities have important implications for the dynamics of evolution. The particular evolutionary outcome that is realized depends on a number of factors, both ecological – e.g. strength and type of competition, and genetic – e.g. trade-offs in adaptation to multiple niches. I examine the effects of a number of these factors using both theoretical models and evolution experiments in the lab, aiming to better understand the processes that play important roles in populations living and evolving in the complex natural world.