Our laboratory explores the fundamental mechanisms of evolution, cell biology, and gene expression. We focus on three interconnected areas: (1) investigating how copy number variants (CNVs) drive rapid adaptation in diverse scenarios, from environmental changes to drug treatment; (2) studying cell quiescence, a dormant state crucial for understanding drug resistance in cancer and microbial infections; and (3) mapping complex gene regulatory networks to gain a comprehensive view of cellular function. Using cutting-edge experimental and computational techniques, our work spans from basic evolutionary biology to applied biomedical research. Our research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how organisms adapt to changing environments and offer insights that could impact fields from cancer treatment to combating antibiotic resistance. Through this multifaceted approach, we aim to unravel the molecular processes that underlie life’s remarkable ability to evolve and persist in diverse conditions.