Wayne Lab

UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Wayne Lab’s research projects cover a wide range of species and utilize a multitude of molecular approaches. From exploring contemporary population dynamics to evolutionary relationships, current projects utilize both traditional and next-generation technologies to address ecological and evolutionary questions at a variety of spatial and temporal scales.

Many of the projects explore genomes for signatures of selection (natural or artificial), local adaptation, patterns of partitioning genetic variation across species and populations, or use a metagenomic approach to understand complex biological systems. We also explore the potential of transcriptomics to gather gene expression data from wild populations.

Research

The primary research focus of the Wayne Lab is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation and genome evolution.  Current projects include Environmental DNA (eDNA) and California Biodiversity & Population Genetics of Deleterious Variation.

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News

Wayne lab to lead three California Conservation Genomics Projects

The Wayne Lab was awarded three grants from the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP) to study species important to California: Yuma myotis, bobcat, and three species of scrub jays. These projects are a unique opportunity to apply genomic tec

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Wayne Lab Postdoc, Maura Palacios Mejia, Awarded Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network Grant

Maura is a recipient of the Sloan’s Scholar mentoring network Career Development grant to carry out her new project in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy titled “Establishing a baseline of biodiversity and ecology of Jalama Creek in the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve using environmental DNA to assess stream restoration success”.

Environmental DNA as a tool for assessing microbial diversity & ecological impacts by contaminants at The Bowtie parcel Brownfield site in Southern California

Wayne Lab Post-doc, Maura Palacious, received the the La Kretz and Stunt Ranch Combined grant. Take a look at the project summary below! Project Summary: Urban planning considers the loss of open space, biodiversity, and pollution, as well as the demand of a growing populations in cities. Vacant Brownfields are properties with the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that if remediated can be critical to urban revitalization. This study applies eDNA metabarcoding to soil samples from The Bowtie Parcel Brownfield adjacent to the L.A. River to explore biological community changes in relation to contaminants. This study will contribute to the redevelopment plan of The Bowtie Parcel, potentially generate a low-cost microbial bioremediation alternative, and incorporate a new tool for the assessment of Brownfields.

Support Our Research

Please consider supporting our research in addressing ecological and evolutionary questions.

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Wayne Lab