Department of Biology

Research Strengths

Genomics and Bioinformatics

Inexpensive whole genome sequencing and other high-throughput technologies are revolutionizing the ways that we address fundamental questions in biology from how organisms evolve to how cells become cancerous. Because of the unprecedented amounts of data these technologies make available, we can begin to address biological questions in their full complexity.  Long recognized as a leader in the field of evolutionary biology, Indiana University is now leading the way in applying genome-level analyses to diverse biological questions.  Answering those questions is most often an interdisciplinary activity, requiring the skills of statisticians, computer scientists, and bioinformaticians as well as biologists.  The Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics supports our efforts by providing next generation DNA sequencing and by helping to create and support these necessary–and exciting–interdisciplinary collaborations.  The faculty listed below use genomic and bioinformatic approaches to study diverse problems, including: genome evolution, gene regulatory networks, environmental adaptation, the impact of horizontal gene transfer between organisms, speciation, the evolution of behavior, the human microbiome, and many other aspects of biology.  Please check out the web pages of the individual investigators below for more details on the exciting ways IU scientists are applying genomics and bioinformatics to understand life on earth.