Heather Bruce: Assistant Professor at Department of Zoology, UBC Faculty of Science

Assistant Professor

Faculty of Science

Research Classification

Evolution of developmental systems

Research Interests

Evolutionary developmental biology (evo devo)

Arthropods

Novel structures

Production of morphological diversity by genetic networks

Evolution of genetic networks over hundreds of millions of years

Evolution of morphology over hundreds of millions of years

Appendages

Relevant Thesis-Based Degree Programs

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Research Options

I am available and interested in collaborations (e.g. clusters, grants).

I am interested in and conduct interdisciplinary research.

I am interested in working with undergraduate students on research projects.

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Research Methodology

Recruitment

Looking to recruit:

Master's students

Doctoral students

Desired start dates:

2026

2027

Potential research project areas:

My research is in evolutionary developmental biology (evo devo) using mainly the crustacean Parhyale, the beetle Tribolium, and the millipede Oxidus, but also sometimes horseshoe crab, tarantula, silverfish, sea spider, and other arthropods. My lab uses molecular, morphological, and embryological approaches to investigate arthropod appendages like legs, wings, and gills as a model to understand the origins and evolution of novel structures, and to elucidate how genetic networks evolve over immense phylogenetic distances of half a billion years.

Ultimately, I am interested in how genetic networks produce morphological diversity. This relates to the origin of novel structures like insect wings, which don’t seem to be derived from (homologous to) any structure in the ancestor. Co-option of genetic pathways by unrelated tissues is often invoked to explain the origin of novel structures. However, my research into arthropod novel structures like wings and carapaces suggests an exciting alternative: novel structures may evolve from existing structures (serial homologs) that persist cryptically in other lineages. Therefore, cryptic persistence of ancestral structures may explain the origin of many novel structures. Furthermore, if many novel structures arose from ancient structures, then many unexpected structures may in fact be related, and also far more ancient and evolvable than currently believed.

Other options: I am interested in hiring Co-op students for research placements.

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