Kevin Wei

Kevin Wei is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia. His research integrates genomics, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, and developmental biology to investigate how selfish genetic elements, such as transposable elements, drive genome complexity and developmental process evolution.

Education:

• B.A. & Sc. from McGill University, Montreal, Canada
• Ph.D. from Cornell University, USA
• Postdoctoral research as an NIH K99 Fellow at University of California Berkeley

The Wei lab focuses on genetic arms races between selfish elements (e.g., transposable elements, meiotic drivers) and genomic defense mechanisms. This dynamic influences genome architecture and processes like meiosis, embryogenesis, and germline development. The lab leverages the Drosophila genus's genetic and species diversity to study evolution in action, combining genomics, genetics, and population biology.

Recent research trends highlight the role of transposable elements in recombination variation, epigenetic conflict, synaptonemal complex adaptation, and germline regulation. These studies often involve Drosophila as a model system, emphasizing evolutionary insights applicable across species.

Scientific Awards:

• NIH K99 Fellow

Kevin Wei actively welcomes undergraduate, graduate students, and postdocs to his lab. His lab members include M. Byars, A. Chauhan, A. Fielding, D. Sangha, H. Ye, and R. Zakerzade. The lab website kweilab.ca provides further details.