Monday, May 24, 2010

Parmakelis et al. 2010 PLoS ONE


Anopheles immune genes and amino acid sites evolving under the effect of positive selection


Abstract- It has long been the goal of vector biology to generate genetic knowledge that can be used to "manipulate" natural populations of vectors to eliminate or lessen disease burden. While long in coming, progress toward reaching this goal has been made. Aiming to increase our understanding regarding the interaction between Plasmodium and the Anopheles immune genes, we investigate the patterns of genetic diversity of four anti-Plasmodium genes in the Anopheles gambiae complex of species.


A Parmakelis, M Moustaka, N Poulakakis, C Louis, MA Slotman, JC Marshall, PH Awono-Ambene, C Antonio-Nkondjio, F Simard, A Caccone, and JR Powell (2010) PLoS ONE 5:e8885


Marshall et al. 2009 IJEE


In the academic job market, will you be competitive? A case study in ecology and evolutionary biology
Abstract- Over the last several decades, the percentage of permanent faculty positions at universities has declined significantly. This creates intense competiton for these positions. Data summarizing the general qualifications of newly hired first-time professors are valuable for students contemplating graduate school. Here we present data collected in a survey from 181 newly hired faculty members in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology from around the world. We report the average number of publications, courses taught, years as postdoctoral fellows, and research grants received for successful job applicants. Our results indicate and extremely competitive environment for permanent academic jobs in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology.
JC Marshall, P Butars, T Callahan, JJ Dennehy, DJ Harris, B Lunt, M Mika, and R Shupe (2009) Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 55:381-392

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

New DNA Analysis Station


Dr. Jon Clark and I received a grant this year to build a DNA analysis station to add to the College of Science DNA laboratory. The funds were generously provided by the Dee Family Technology Grant. Above WSU undergraduate student Austin Earley edits DNA sequences at the new station.