Welcome to the Wittkopp Lab

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Research Focus

Our research investigates the genetic basis of phenotypic evolution. The evolution of development, especially mechanisms controlling gene regulation, are of particular interest. Molecular and developmental biology, population and quantitative genetics, genomics and bioinformatics are all integrated in this work.

Three flies are shown side by side, each darker in color than the previous, illustrating a gradual change from light to dark. Arrows point from left to right, indicating progression—a visual often used in Wittkopp Lab research to demonstrate pigmentation variation.

Phenotypic Evolution

Illustration of a DNA strand with a cloud-like enzyme above it and an arrow pointing right, representing a biological or genetic process studied in the Wittkopp Lab.

Gene Regulation

Icon of a microscope with a speech bubble showing a magnified view of a bug or insect, and three horizontal lines beside it, suggesting scientific research or analysis—a visual representation that would resonate with the Wittkopp Lab’s focus on investigating biological diversity.

Molecular and Developmental Biology

A scatter of blue dots under a dark blue bell curve, representing a normal distribution on a horizontal axis—an illustration often used in the Wittkopp Lab to visualize data patterns.

Population and Quantitative Genetics

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