Nemo Valentin Robles
I'm a PhD student in the Schumer Lab at Stanford University interested in hybridization and speciation.
Research
Over the last several decades, scientists have discovered that hybridization frequently occurs between species across the tree of life. Hybrids can reveal information about the initial steps of evolution when new genetic, molecular, and ecological interactions are tested in nature.
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As a student in the Schumer Lab, I am investigating how hybridization affects the fitness of individuals. Negative genetic interactions in hybrids (or hybrid incompatibilities) are common in early-generation hybrid individuals. Hybrid incompatibilities can have strong effects on survival and reproductive success.
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In swordtail fishes, hybrids between X. malinche and X. birchmanni can experience several hybrid incompatibilities. I am working to uncover how these hybrid incompatibilities contribute to speciation in swordtails!
Latest Publications
