Chris Lane (PI)
clane{at}mail.uri.edu, ph. (401) 874-2683, CBLS277
Full CV
My long-term interests relate to the mechanisms behind the process of reduction in both nuclear and organellar genomes. Most recently I have focused on the evolution and spread of eukaryotic photosynthesis, particularly in the cryptophytes and related chromalveolates, but my lab is using both oomycetes and red algal parasites as models to study eukaryotic genome reduction and the genomic causes and consequences of a parasitic life-style.
Nic Blouin (Post Doc)
ph. (401) 874-9730, CBLS287
Full CV
Broadly my interests relate to the evolution of reproductive strategies and how these adaptations function to provide mechanisms for organisms to persist in the extreme environment of the intertidal zone. I am currently focusing on the red algal parasitic life-style and how reproductive adaptation in closely related species allows for persistence of parasitic associations between closely related taxa.
Ian Misner
PhD candidate, DIMO Fellow
Email:ianmisner{at}my.uri.edu
Ian's focus is comparative organellar and nuclear genomics of oomycetes. Specifically, he is trying to determine the genomic origin of several core photosynthetic genes amplified from axenic oomycete cultures. Ian's project is a collaborative effort with Dr. Craig Bailey, at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Thea Popolizio
PhD student
Email: tpopolizio{at}my.uri.edu
Thea is expanding our understanding of Bermuda's algal diversity, using a combination of DNA sequencing of key samples and careful morphological investigations. Her project is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Craig Schneider, at Trinity College.
Megan O’Brien
MS student (`09 Coastal Fellow)
Email: obrienm{at}mail.uri.edu
Megan is using comparative mitochondrial genomics to examine a local red algal host/parasite pair, which are not directly related to one another. Her project will shed light on genomic changes in parasites with multiple hosts.
Tom Shamp
BSc student
Email:t.shamp14{at}gmail.com
Tom is assisting Thea with the Bermuda Seaweed project by extracting DNA, amplifying and sequencing PCR products from Bermuda samples.
Lily Hancock
MSc 2010
Email: lhancock{at}mail.uri.edu
Lilly is used adelphoparasite and host mitochondial genomes to understand genome evolution in recently-evolved parasites. Her comparative analyses addressed some of the genomic consequences of becoming a parasite.