About
Kusumi’s research uses the power of genome biology to help conserve and study the functional adaptations of reptiles. Among the reptiles, more than half of the living turtle species are threatened with extinction, and Kusumi has sequenced the genome of the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) as a tool for conservation efforts. The anole lizards have been described as the “Darwin’s finches” of reptiles, and Kusumi has led the first genome-scale analysis of accelerated evolution associated with their functional adaptations.
Creating a more inclusive academic environment
Kusumi is committed to developing equitable and inclusive programs for students at Arizona State University, and he is working to create a more inclusive academic environment, including serving as mentor and faculty advisor in university LGBTQ organizations.
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500 Queer Scientists Contributor Highlight
“There has been tremendous progress since I started training as a scientist — but there is still so much more that needs to be done.”
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LGBTQ+ organizations emphasize importance of representation in academia
“Many of us are interested in paying it forward because it’s really important that we share what we know, and that we build our certified strengths for our communities and help each other out.”
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Red Pocket Magazine interview
“Being both Asian and LGBTQ+ means being a minority in both communities and communicating what that experience means to the majority of the group.”