Our primary research interest is the genetic basis of natural variation in aging.  In particular,  we are focused on identifying the genes that influence the age-related changes in traits that directly affect fitness, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system.  We utilize a variety of gene mapping methods to identify candidate genes affecting these traits and then test the effects of natural allelic variation on the phenotype of interest.  While much of our research is done in the laboratory, we are also doing field work in natural populations to investigate the importance of a variety of ecological factors in maintaining genetic variation for these traits.