Do animals have a preference when they choose their mates? Why does an individual prefer a particular mate over another? What are the cues responsible for individual recognition and mate choice? Do individuals with particular genotypes have higher fitness than the others? Our lab uses field and molecular approaches to answer these questions. We study how the genome-wide diversity and candidate genes such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes affect mate choice and fitness in non-model species. We also study the co-evolution between host and pathogens. Our research systems include vertebrates such as birds and mammals, as well as invertebrates.