About Us

Applying evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics to understand how genetic variation shapes phenotype including behavior, health, disease.

The Kulathinal Lab explores one of the biggest puzzles in biology: how small changes in DNA can shape the incredible diversity of life around us. We study how genomes evolve over time and how genetic variation influences traits we care about—such as behavior, health, and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Our goal is to understand not just what varies in the genome, but why it matters.

To do this, we blend computation, data science, and evolutionary analytics using model organisms like fruit flies and mammals, as well as genomic data from human populations. Our team builds tools, analyzes large-scale datasets, and develops evolutionary models to uncover patterns hidden within the genome. By connecting genetic differences to biological function, we aim to shed light on the forces that shape species, including our own and provide insights that can ultimately inform medicine, conservation, and our broader understanding of the natural world.

We are a collaborative, mentorship-driven lab working across evolutionary biology, genomics, and computation. We train students and researchers to think deeply about evolution, build reproducible computational workflows, and communicate science clearly. If you’re interested in research at the intersection of evolutionary genomics, model organism genetics, bioinformatics, and computational tool-building, feel free to reach out with a short note, your CV, and your unofficial transcript.