Dr. Sarah 'Sally' Otto | Otto Lab

Bio:
Sarah "Sally" Otto is a Killam university professor at the University of British Columbia. Her research uses mathematical models and yeast experiments to understand evolutionary processes. Her recent work has focused on evolutionary adaptation to a rapidly changing world. She launched and directs Liber Ero, a Canada-wide post-doctoral program in conservation science. Otto has more than 250 publications, and her awards include the Killam Prize, a MacArthur Fellowship, a Steacie Priz and fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada and UK and National Academy of Sciences.

Abstract:
In this talk, I will describe experiments with Saccharomyces cerevisiae aimed at clarifying the nature of and interactions among beneficial mutations. A panel of independent adaptive mutations was obtained by exposing haploid yeast to harsh environmental conditions. The array of mutations allowing adaptation was determined by genome-wide sequencing. This panel was then used to measure trade-offs among environments and among ploidy levels, as well as properties such as dominance across environments. I will discuss the implications for Haldane's sieve, the role of ploidy in adaptation and speciation.