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Jennifer Jo Wernegreen

Associate Professor of Environmental and Evolutionary Genomics in the Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy
Environmental Sciences and Policy
3102 Grainger Hall, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
3102 Grainger Hall, Duke Univ., 9 Circuit Drive, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Research in our lab centers on environmental and evolutionary genomics, primarily in bacteria. Broadly, our group explores mechanisms shaping genetic and functional variation in microbes that play important roles in the natural environment. Much of our work integrates evolutionary, population genetic, computational, and molecular approaches to clarify how bacterial genomes change over time. Among these studies, we are exploring how ecological interactions – such as symbiosis - influence genome content and architecture of the species involved. Conversely, we also explore how genomic alterations can impact microbial functions and interactions. As models to link genomics and environmental biology, we largely focus on mutualistic microbes, including bacteria that supply essential nutrients to invertebrate hosts.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Environmental and Evolutionary Genomics in the Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy · 2010 - Present Environmental Sciences and Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment

In the News


Published May 7, 2019
Duke Adds 21 Faculty to Distinguished Faculty Rank

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Recent Publications


Genomic erosion and extensive horizontal gene transfer in gut-associated Acetobacteraceae.

Journal Article BMC genomics · June 2019 BackgroundSymbiotic relationships between animals and bacteria have profound impacts on the evolutionary trajectories of each partner. Animals and gut bacteria engage in a variety of relationships, occasionally persisting over evolutionary timesca ... Full text Cite

In it for the long haul: evolutionary consequences of persistent endosymbiosis.

Journal Article Current opinion in genetics & development · December 2017 Phylogenetically independent bacterial lineages have undergone a profound lifestyle shift: from a free-living to obligately host-associated existence. Among these lineages, intracellular bacterial mutualists of insects are among the most intimate, constrai ... Full text Cite

Ancient bacterial endosymbionts of insects: Genomes as sources of insight and springboards for inquiry.

Journal Article Experimental cell research · September 2017 Ancient associations between insects and bacteria provide models to study intimate host-microbe interactions. Currently, a wealth of genome sequence data for long-term, obligately intracellular (primary) endosymbionts of insects reveals profound genomic co ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Genetic and Genomics Training Grant

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2025

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2005 - 2021

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Education, Training & Certifications


Yale University · 1998 Ph.D.

External Links


Website