Research interests

RNA secondary structure analysis:
Comparative techniques which model the evolution of RNA structure are a great deal more informative
than single sequence methods alone. I'm interested in developing new tools and increasing the
robustness of old tools for automated RNA structure analysis.

ncRNA gene identification:
Due to the rapid sequence evolution of ncRNAs these have been difficult to detect using standard
homology search tools. I'm interested in locating novel ncRNA transcripts and extending our
knowledge of known ncRNAs. The tools now at our disposal are conservation data, RNA structure and
transcriptional data, the combination of these is expected to cause a revolution in the modern RNA
world.

Modelling the early evolution of life:
I've developed tools for simulating the RNA world - a putative pre-cursor to the DNA-protein based
world of today. These simulations have been applied to explore fundamental questions regarding how
and why life formed the wat it has.

Last update: August 13, 2004