My research interests mainly revolve around uncovering the genetic bases that underly the diversity of animals, preferably invertebrates. Since most features of animal bodies are shaped during the early stages of their lives, I am particularly interested in exploring the genetic modifications that are associated with the changes in developmental events among different animal groups.
I obtained my master’s degree and my PhD from the University of Tsukuba, Japan. There, I was working on the developmental genetics that underly the diversity of molluscan body plans.
Currently, in the Extavour lab, I am working on topics regarding the evolutionary history of intermediate filament proteins and examining their functions during the morphogenic events of arthropod embryos.