Steven Oud Research Portfolio

Research Interests

How do multicellular organisms create patterns, and how does evolution “tinker” with these patterning processes to create the seemingly endless forms observed today?

My research delves into the mechanisms behind these phenomena, focusing on how plants develop intricate, colourful patterns on their petals and how evolution modifies these patterns over time.

To investigate these questions, I developed a computational model to simulate the evolution of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) responsible for the bullseye pattern in Hibiscus trionum petals.
These evo-devo simulations provide perfect fossil records of developmental patterning processes, and allow us to “replay life’s tape” multiple times to understand the evolutionary and developmental properties of these petal patterning systems.

By analysing these simulations, we can gain insights into questions such as: Are certain patterning mechanisms more likely to evolve? What is the role of random genetic drift? And how do different conditions shape these processes?

I believe these models are useful tools for gaining insights into how developmental programmes evolve and create diversity.

They not only reveal the underlying principles of pattern formation but can also guide the design of new hypotheses that can be tested in the lab or used to refine existing models of biological development.