| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Katie Sanbonmatsu Katie.sanbonmatsu@tamu.edu Ecology and Conservation Biology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Dr. Daniel Spalink, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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TBA |
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Team Size:
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3
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| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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presenting at scientific conferences, networking, co-authorship on publications, other research opportunities in our lab (which include similar projects on Orchids, Sedges, and rare plants), and (maybe) field work (depending on the pandemic)
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Team Needs:
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Basic knowledge of biological processes (particularly evolution and ecology) is recommended. Programming experience in R and/or Unix-based operating systems and experience in molecular biology lab techniques is preferred, but not necessary. Essential skills include proficiency in excel and most importantly, enthusiasm! |
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Description:
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Phylogenetics (evolutionary relationships) and biogeography (how organisms assemble and diversify in space) of an interesting group of mosses (non-vascular plants) in the family Orthotrichaceae. I sequence DNA from tiny little plants to figure out how they are related, where they came from, and how they moved around the earth in time and space. I am also interested in discovering functional traits (such as how they reproduce) that can lead to the observed patterns. Research team members will learn valuable molecular and bioinformatic skills, and will also learn about plant evolution and theoretical paradigms in this field. |