Yang Lab: Research Projects

Bayesian relaxed clock dating

We develop Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms to estimate species phylogenies and divergence times under relaxed clock models.

MCMC algorithms under multispecies coalescent models

We develop MCMC algorithms for analysing geneomic sequence data from multiple species or populations to infer population demographic processes, species phylogenies, and interspecific hybridisation and introgression. 

Markov models of codon substitution and detection of adaptive molecular evolution

We develop models of codon substitution for comparative analysis of protein-coding DNA sequences, using the nonsynonymous/synonymous substitution rate ratio as a measure of selective pressure on amino acid changes in protein sequences.

Analyses of genomic data from viruses, mammals, and plants

We collaborate with evolutionary biologists to analyse genomic data from Heliconius butterflies, lizards, and the big cats.