Vitor Sudbrack

I am a question-driven interdisciplinary researcher broadly interested in studying the impact of spatial structure on ecological and evolutionary processes. In my master's program, I conducted an analysis using a model that focused on species distribution in artificially fragmented landscapes. The objective was to determine how different spatial configurations of the same habitat area affect species abundance. This research not only provided insights into the performance of statistical models but also highlighted the challenges posed by non-factorially designed input data. 

For my PhD at the Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology lab, led by Charles Mullon, I am delving into evolutionary models using mathematical and computational techniques. My research focuses on three parallel problems in evolutionary biology.

Firstly, I am investigating the influence of spatial structure and limited dispersal between groups of individuals on the rate of genetic adaptation. This involves examining the expected time required for new beneficial mutations to become fixed in a population, as well as the time it takes for populations to respond to changes in environmental conditions and new selective pressures. By studying these aspects, I aim to uncover the pace and underlying genetic signatures of adaptation in populations with non-random mixing.

Secondly, I am exploring the genetic basis of eusocial insects and investigating how genetic adaptation occurs in populations with colony structures. The focus here is to understand how differences in life cycle and dispersal ability among species impact the relatedness within their colonies, which is crucial for comprehending the evolution and stability of eusocial species.

Lastly, in my final chapter, I am investigating the effects of non-random mating on the polymorphism of tandem repeat sequences. Tandem repeats are a significant source of genetic structural variation within populations. In this research, I am exploring how various processes during gametic production, such as slippage replication and unequal crossover, as well as selection and genetic drift, influence the distribution of tandem repeat copies in populations that undergo partial selfing.

Through a different angle, I am also driven by coffee, coding and web design, music theory, promoting LGBT+ representation, and engaging in stimulating conversations! Find me at www.sudbrack.me and my lab at lab-mullon.github.io/