Rasmus Heller
Associate Professor
Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen
Biography
Rasmus Heller is a researcher with a focus on evolutionary biology and population genetics, studying how genetic diversity interacts with environmental challenges in large mammals. His work explores the genetic dynamics of wild and domesticated species, particularly the genetic exchange, or admixture, between them. Through projects funded by grants like the European Research Council's Starting Grant and Denmark’s Sapere Aude program, Heller has delved into the evolutionary history of bovines, analyzing how genetic flow between wild and domestic populations influences traits like disease resistance and adaptation. His research on species such as wildebeest has revealed the genetic impact of migration patterns, showing how barriers like fences and roads affect their genetic health. These insights are vital for understanding how human activities shape the evolutionary potential of species, guiding efforts in wildlife conservation and the sustainable management of genetic resources
