Luke Dunning

Dr Luke Dunning is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences. His research focuses on evolutionary genomics, particularly the mechanisms of rapid adaptation in plants through lateral gene transfer (LGT) and genomic variation. He leads the Dunning Lab, which investigates grass evolution, including C4 photosynthesis, pan-genome diversity, and coastal dune plant adaptation.

Education:

• PhD, University of Auckland, NZ (2014)
• MRes in Biosciences, Cardiff University, UK (2008)
• BSc in Ecology and Environmental Management, Cardiff University, UK (2007)

Research Interests:

• LGT in grasses and its evolutionary consequences
• Pan-genome variation and local adaptation
• Ecological adaptation of beach grasses to extreme environments

His work combines genomic techniques, ecological analyses, and experimental approaches to understand how organisms adapt to novel environments.

Publications Overview: Recent work highlights LGT as a key driver of adaptive gene spread in grasses, the genomic basis of C4 photosynthesis, and the role of extrachromosomal DNA in plant evolution. Studies emphasize the interplay between genomic innovation and ecological adaptation.

Lab and Collaborations: The Dunning Lab collaborates with ecologists and engineers to study dune stabilization and genetic impacts on ecosystems. Current projects involve PhD students researching ant/plant mutualisms, evolutionary genomics, and climate change adaptation.