Michael Blake, University of British Columbia

Research

Read how they describe their research on their University of British Columbia profile.

Latest papers

In silico analysis of the evolution of root phenotypes during maize domestication in Neolithic soils of Tehuacán.
The New phytologist · 2025
A revisited history of cacao domestication in pre-Columbian times revealed by archaeogenomic approaches.
Scientific reports · 2024
The use and domestication of Theobroma cacao during the mid-Holocene in the upper Amazon.
Nature ecology & evolution · 2018

4 publications.

01

In silico analysis of the evolution of root phenotypes during maize domestication in Neolithic soils of Tehuacán.

Lopez-Valdivia I, Vallebueno-Estrada M, Rangarajan H, Swarts K, Benz BF, Blake M, Sidhu JS, Perez-Limon S, Sawers RJH, Schneider H, Lynch JP

The New phytologist2025

DOI: 10.1111/nph.70245 PMID: 40444660

02

A revisited history of cacao domestication in pre-Columbian times revealed by archaeogenomic approaches.

Lanaud C, Vignes H, Utge J, Valette G, Rhoné B, Garcia Caputi M, Angarita Nieto NS, Fouet O, Gaikwad N, Zarrillo S, Powis TG, Cyphers A, Valdez F, Olivera Nunez SQ, Speller C, Blake M, Valdez FJ, Raymond S, Rowe SM, Duke GS, Romano FE, Loor Solórzano RG, Argout X

Scientific reports2024

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53010-6 PMID: 38453955

03

The use and domestication of Theobroma cacao during the mid-Holocene in the upper Amazon.

Zarrillo S, Gaikwad N, Lanaud C, Powis T, Viot C, Lesur I, Fouet O, Argout X, Guichoux E, Salin F, Solorzano RL, Bouchez O, Vignes H, Severts P, Hurtado J, Yepez A, Grivetti L, Blake M, Valdez F

Nature ecology & evolution2018

DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0697-x PMID: 30374172

04

Genomic estimation of complex traits reveals ancient maize adaptation to temperate North America.

Swarts K, Gutaker RM, Benz B, Blake M, Bukowski R, Holland J, Kruse-Peeples M, Lepak N, Prim L, Romay MC, Ross-Ibarra J, Sanchez-Gonzalez JJ, Schmidt C, Schuenemann VJ, Krause J, Matson RG, Weigel D, Buckler ES, Burbano HA

Science (New York, N.Y.)2017

DOI: 10.1126/science.aam9425 PMID: 28774930

Frequent collaborators

Camilla Speller

Department of Anthropology

1 shared papers, latest 2024

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Subject: Prospective PhD student Dear Professor Blake, My name is [your name], and I am a [your current degree or role] at [your institution]. I am applying for a PhD position starting in [term and year]. I read your paper "In silico analysis of the evolution of root phenotypes during maize domestication in Neolithic soils of Tehuacán." (2025), and it connects closely to my own work on [your research topic]. [One or two sentences on what you did and what you learned.] Are you accepting new PhD students for [term and year]? I have attached my CV and transcripts, and I would be glad to talk at a time that suits you. Thank you for your time. Kind regards, [your name]

Michael Blake