معرفی
David Alvarez-Ponce is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research focuses on evolutionary genetics, comparative genomics, and bioinformatics, particularly how evolutionary forces like purifying and positive selection shape genetic diversity. He leads the Bioinformatics & Genome Evolution Lab, which investigates molecular networks (metabolic, signal transduction, protein-protein interactions) and their evolutionary dynamics.
- Ph.D., Genetics, University of Barcelona (2010)
- M.S., Genetics, University of Barcelona (2007)
- B.S., Biology, University of Barcelona (2005)
- B.S., Computer Science, Open University of Catalonia (2015)
His work explores the origins of eukaryotes through genomic fusion, organismal adaptation to temperature extremes, and the development of bioinformatics software. Recent publications highlight trends in genomic architecture, protein evolution, and pathogen genomics. He has received the Mousel-Feltner Award for Excellence in Research and the Zuckerkandl Prize for his contributions to molecular evolution.
Current research integrates large-scale comparative genomics to decode evolutionary patterns in gene networks, with a focus on DNA variability and natural selection. His lab also examines the interplay between gene duplication, network centrality, and epigenetic regulation. Students and collaborators in his lab engage in multidisciplinary projects spanning computational biology, plant pathology, and conservation genetics.
