I am a molecular ecologist with primary interests in the use of neutral molecular markers and functional genes to address questions in evolutionary and behavioural ecology. I mainly use model avian systems, including species such as the Seychelles warbler, Berthelot’s pipit and red junglefowl, to investigate the adaptive significance of reproductive and life history strategies, to study host-parasite co-evolution and to investigate stress and senescence in wild populations. The conservation of endangered island bird species (e.g. the Seychelles warbler) is also an important part of my work