Brendish is an experienced certified genetic counselor and is developing degree programs that prepare students to counsel individuals and families on the complex issues surrounding genetic testing.

Studies how biological tools can be used to increase accuracy and precision in forensic entomology and biology disciplines, with a focus on genomic, transcriptomic and ecological studies. 

Wideman strives to understand the emergence of complexity in eukaryote evolution. Using comparative genomics and cell biological approaches he reconstructs features of the last eukaryotic common ancestor.