Hello! I'm a graduate student in the Biophysics PhD Program at Stanford University. I work in the lab of Dr. Benjamin Good, where my research combines tools from statistical physics and theoretical population genetics.

My current work focuses on studying the role of recombination in adapting microbial populations. Many microbes can exchange genetic material through a process known as horizontal gene transfer. We are interested in a simple question: at what rates does HGT appreciably affect evolutionary dynamics? Previously, I've also studied how natural selection acts on mutations that alter the short-term fitness of an organism, as well as the rates and benefits of future mutations. You can check out our paper here.

Prior to Stanford, I studied international development, mathematics, and physics at Tulane University in New Orleans. I spent time in Haiti and Paraguay researching chronic disease and energy poverty and am always looking for projects related to development. Outside of science, I love to backpack and explore the Bay Area.

Email: jferrare at stanford.edu | Bluesky: jferrare@bsky.social