Hey, I am Nick Planidin, a postdoctoral researcher working with Anna Runemark and the SPACE team in the Biodiversity and Evolution division. I am studying changes in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in hybrid species and how this could promote the formation of species. To do so, I am looking at changes in DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and histone modification in the hybrid Italian sparrow and how they affect gene expression in different genomic backgrounds.
My PhD research was studying epigenetic marks in Timema stick insects, using some of the same techniques as above. I also worked on comparing genetic and epigenetic variation within populations and theoretical models of how epigenetic inheritance can promote the formation of species.
When I am not wrestling with bioinformatics code, I enjoy climbing and boardgames.
