Alexis Garretson

Research/Areas of Interest

Genetically diverse animal models are critical to understanding complex traits. While the use of classical inbred strains has enabled significant genetic research, these strains do not adequately represent the genetic diversity amongst humans. Multiparent populations like the collaborative cross mice and outbred populations like the diversity outbred mice allow us to model human diversity and better understand the genetic architecture of complex traits. Genetic variation itself, however, can also be considered a complex trait that arises from mutation, recombination, and chromosome assortment. Using diverse mouse strains and computational tools, I am investigating how candidate genes can alter mutation rates and resulting population genetic variability.