Antoine Houtain

During his Ph.D. in Belgium, jointly at the Universities of Brussels and Namur, Antoine focused on the dynamics of genome evolution in asexual species of bdelloid rotifers using the lab model Adineta vaga. His research explored both the genomics of asexuality and the remarkable DNA repair mechanisms that allow bdelloid rotifers to tolerate extreme genome damage. During his postdoctoral work at NC State University in Raleigh (NC, USA), he worked on hybrid yeasts, examining how introgression and hybridisation influence fitness in brewing environments. Currently, Antoine studies the unconventional evolution of sex chromosomes in robber frogs, aiming to understand how recombination suppression is initiated and maintained, how heteromorphic sex chromosomes arise, and dosage compensation mechanisms in these systems. When away from the computer, Antoine can usually be found on a badminton court or running outdoors, if possible with other people.