Dr. Joseph Felsenstein, at the University of Washington, is developing statistical theory and computer programs for analyzing data important to understanding the evolution of genes and species. The statistical and computational methods allow phylogenies (evolutionary trees) to be estimated for specific DNA sequences that comprise genes. The phylogenies can be used to estimate parameters such as population size that are important in understanding the process of evolution and the evolutionary histories of species themselves. Dr. Felsenstein will update and distribute a package of computer programs called PHYLIP to scientists concerned with the process and history of evolution.
