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Join the lab!

I am actively seeking students to work in the lab, both advanced undergraduate students and graduate students.  If you are interested, please Email or call (508)-999-8950.   Possible projects include:

Northern Coral Symbiosis Biogeography and Evolution:

This project involves the symbiosis between the northern coral Astrangia and its zooxanthellae (dinoflagellate symbionts).  Corals will be sampled throughout New England, from intertidal and subtidal locations.  Collection of deeper corals may involve SCUBA diving.  Molecular analysis of host and zooxanthellae markers will analyze population structure in both hosts and symbionts to look at coevolution and adaptation to different environments in New England.  The project may also explore cost/benefit relationships between the host and symbionts and how this changes in different environmental regimes, both current conditions and potential changes brought about by global climate instability.

Biogeography of Harmful Algae:

This project focuses on Alexandrium, the causative organism of northern red tides, which can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning.  The project involves mating analyses to determine species boundaries in this group, and will soon be using microsatellite data and other DNA markers to uncover the origins of recently introduced populations of toxic dinoflagellates.
 
Comparative Genomics Research On Cyanobacteria: 

The project will include analysis of the genome sequence of Cyanobium, a marine cyanobacterium with unique evolutionary properties, currently being sequenced.  Foci of this research project include the acquisition of proteobacterial-type genes, including RubisCO genes, by horizontal gene transfer and the evolutionary transition of the Cyanobium group from fresh water to estuarine and marine environments. 

UMass Dartmouth offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of:

• Master of Science in Biology,
  
• Master of Science in Marine Biology,
  
• Ph.D. in Marine Sciences and Technology, and
  
• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering/Biotechnology. 
  

Please visit the Biology Department or the Admissions Page to learn more about these programs!