Postdoc Spotlight: Applications for Evolution

Richard Adams, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, researches genetics and how human deoxyribonucleic acid, (DNA) has changed over time. Ultimately, he said he hopes his work will improve the methods and tools for studying genome evolution.

“Working as a postdoc here has been an incredible experience for my career. I have come to greatly appreciate the diversity of academic interests, perspectives and opportunities that are readily available both in our department and at FAU as a whole,” said Adams, who is working with Michael DeGiorgio, an associate professor in the department of computer and electrical engineering and computer science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “The High Performance Computing center which provides computing resources has also been integral to my research.”

The genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA including all of its genes. Genomic data may include sequenced DNA that can be in the form of raw data derived from sequencing a person’s genome in whole or in part. That genomic data is what Adams is interested in. Genomic data are enormous and incredibly complex, requiring new computational tools that will help us learn something about our DNA, according to Adams. Improving genetic research also plays a valuable role in cancer, the immune systems, forensics, and epidemiological research, he adds.

Prior to joining the DeGiorgio group, Adams worked as a field technician in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Stephen F. Austin State University. During his studies, his interests in both evolutionary genetics and statistics took root. He went on to earn his doctorate degree in computational biology from the University of Texas, Arlington, where he combined his passion for statistics with his interest in genetics to study fundamental questions in biology.

Now, Adams’ research focuses on the creation of new computational algorithms, software, and theory for studying genetic variation across different chromosomes, which are the organized packages of DNA found in the nucleus of a cell. These tools will help scientists interpret how the genetic material of an organism evolves, which Adams said will help us gain a more precise understanding of our genetic and evolutionary past.

“My excitement for statistics, probability and data science underlie these pursuits that seek to synergize diverse fields and disciplines,” Adams said. “FAU is a fantastic institution that has been a particularly invaluable resource for my research in the DeGiorgio group.”