People
Charles Criscione
Assistant Professor
PhD: Biology, Oregon State University (2005)
MS: Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University (2000)
BS: Zoology, Louisiana State University (1995)
Jillian Detwiler
Post-Doctoral Researcher
PhD: Biology, Purdue University (2010)
MS: Biology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2004)
BS: Biology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2002)
BA: Music, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2002)
My current work investigates the mating dynamics of a hermaphroditic parasite (tapeworm) in an invasive species of host (gecko). I use microsatellite genotyping, mitochondrial sequencing, and experimental infections to determine the frequency of selfing and outcrossing in natural populations. My other research avenues include characterizing parasite biodiversity with molecular phylogenetics, investigating the transmission dynamics of larval parasites with population genetics, and elucidating how host ecology and evolution shapes patterns of host specificity.
Emily Kasl
Graduate Student
PhD: Biology, Texas A&M University (In Progress)
BS: Marine Science, University of South Carolina (2009)
BS: Biology, University of South Carolina (2009)
My research interests lie in applying molecular methods to elucidate processes generating biodiversity in aquatic invertebrates. My current work focuses on investigating life cycle complexity (number and type of host species used) in Alloglossidium, a genus of trematodes found in catfish, crayfish, and leeches. I use a molecular phylogenetic and population genetic framework to test evolutionary hypotheses about the origin of changes in life cycle complexity and investigate the effect of life cycle complexity on genetic population structure at both broad (Southeastern U.S.) and local (single host population) scales.
Mary Gorton
Graduate Student
PhD: Biology, Texas A&M University (In Progress)
MS: Biology, University of Texas-Pan America (2010)
BS: Environmental Biology, Emporia State University (2006)
My research interests include using population genetics as a tool for examining the interactions between host-parasite ecology and the evolution of host specificity. I am currently investigating the influence of host functional ecology on the fine-scale genetic structure of members of the parasite genus Renifer, which infects the mouths of watersnakes (Nerodia spp.), cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorous) and Hognose snakes (Heterodon spp.). I am also interested in how host communities impact parasite community ecology and composition, and the use of parasites as biological indicators of ecosystem health. My previous research centered on the host-selection mechanisms and habitat use of Bronzed Cowbirds (Molothrus aeneus) and the conservation implications of brood parasite host specificity.
Erika Medina
Undergraduate Researcher 2011-current
» Louise Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Fellow
Estimating effective population size for the invasive gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus).
Andrew Sakla
Undergraduate Researcher 2012-current
Morphological and molecular identification of pentastome parasites from lizards.
