research

Research programs in the Crombie Lab.

The Crombie Lab investigates how natural genetic variation shapes organismal responses to environmental stressors and phenotypes associated with neurodegenerative disease. Using Caenorhabditis nematodes as model organisms, we combine quantitative genetics, experimental evolution, molecular biology, and high-throughput phenotyping to better understand the genetic basis of complex traits.

Natural Variation in Pesticide Susceptibility

We use genetically diverse C. elegans strains, quantitative behavioral assays, and genetic mapping to investigate natural variation in responses to various environmental toxicants.

Genetic Modifiers of Neurodegenerative Disease

Using chemically induced and transgenic C. elegans models, we examine how genetic background modifies neurodegeneration-associated behavioral and neuronal phenotypes.

Diversity and Ecology of Florida Caenorhabditis Nematodes

We combine field collections across Florida with species identification, population genomics, ecological metadata, and ecoLinkR development to study natural diversity in Caenorhabditis.