Kim Vertacnik

Genomics Researcher

Fishery Science Department, Hagerman Genetics Lab

Biography

My background is in evolution and ecological genetics—connecting environmental selective pressures to the genetic changes underlying adaptive traits. I am also a bioinformatician, i.e., a biologist that rarely interacts with her study organism. Broadly, my research interests include the integration of evolution and conservation as well as comparative genomics, namely comparing populations and species to look for repeated, genome-wide patterns of adaptation. Non-research pursuits include computers, baking, wood splitting, and dogs.

Education

• Ph.D., Evolutionary biology, University of Kentucky, 2020
• B.S., Cellular and molecular biology, Western Washington University, 2010