Faculty (Click on faculty names for more information)

email   Bernal, Diego (Grad. Program Director)
Ph.D. 2003, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Univ. California, San Diego

Sharks

Office: » Group II 327B
Lab: » Res 115

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email   Connor, Richard C.
Ph.D. 1990, University of Michigan

Evolution of Social Interactions, Marine Mammal Biology

Office: » Res 215

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email   Ferreira, Tracie L.
Ph.D. 1996, Georgetown University

Molecular Biology

Office: » Group II 320D

910-6537

email Gavlik, Steven (Full-time Lecturer)
Ph.D. 2004, University of Rhode Island

Anatomy and Physiology, Fish Physiology and Endocrinology

Office: » Group II 334A

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email Griffith, Robert W.
Ph.D. 1972, Yale University

Marine Vertebrate Physiology, Origin of Vertebrates

Office: » Group II 328

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email   Hable, Whitney E.
Ph.D. 1996, University of Arizona

Plant/Algal Biology, Developmental and Marine Biology

Office: » Res 205B

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email   Hart, Peter
Ph.D. 1997, University of Maryland

Molecular and Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Epigenetics

Office: » Group II 327C

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email Kazama, Frederick Y.
Ph.D. 1969, University of California at Berkeley

Biology of Organisms, Mycology, Marine Microbiology, Seafood Processing Technology

Office: » Group II 331A

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email Laxer, Marc A. (Full-time Lecturer)

Anatomy and Physiology

Office: » Res 116

email   Lilly, Emily L.
Ph.D. 2003, MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Microbial genomics and evolution, phytoplankton, symbiosis

Office: » Group II 330B
Lab: » Group II 330A

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email   Longo, Palma J.
Ph.D. 2001, Columbia University

Biofield Science, Path Curves Surfaces, Enformatics Medicine

Office: » Group II 336B

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email   O'Connor, Nancy J. (Department Chair)
Ph.D. 1990, North Carolina State University

Invertebrate Ecology, Nonindigenous Marine Species

Office: » Group II 336A
Advising: » Group II 321A
Lab: » Res 111

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email   Oliveira, Kenneth
Ph.D. 1994, University of Rhode Island

Fish Biology, Life History Strategies and Age & Growth of Freshwater Fishes

Office: » Group II 335
Lab: » Group II 318B

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email   Rajaniemi, Tara K.
Ph.D. 2001, University of Michigan

Plant Community Ecology, Plant Competition and Species Diversity

Office: » Res 205A

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email   Stahl, Eli
Ph.D. 2000, University of Chicago

Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics, Genomics, Biogeography, Plant Adaptations

Office: » Group II 332
Lab: » Group II 320A

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email   Turner, Jefferson T.
Ph.D. 1977, Texas A&M University

Biological Oceanography, Marine Plankton, Biogeography

Office: » Res 202
» SMAST

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email Ventetuolo, Alan (Full-time Lecturer)

Medical Microbiology

Office: » Res 116

Emeritus Faculty
email   Leamnson, Robert N.

email   Matsumoto, Barton M. Office: GroupII 333, (508) 999-8220

email   Mulcare, Donald J.

email Read, Dorothy L. (508) 999-8208
Medical Microbiology, Immunology; Molecular genetics of bacteria, biotechnology

email Sears, Jim Office: GroupII 336A,
Horticulture, Botany

email Connor, Richard C. (University of Michigan, 1990 PhD)

Dr. Connor works on the social behavior of Indian Ocean Bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia, focusing on male alliance formation. He also has a strong interest in the evolution of cetacean social systems and the evolution of mutualism and cooperation. His graduate students have worked on a range of projects, including the use of heart rate to measure vocal perception, mother-calf interactions in humpback whales, cooperative feeding in dolphins, and the distribution and abundance of dolphins along the coast of India.

Learn more; visit Dr. Connor's web page.

Graduate students:
Laura Eierman
Daisy Kaplan
Nicole Vollmer

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Dr. Ferreira email Ferreira, Tracie L. (Georgetown University, 1996 PhD)

Vertebrate development is a complex process involving numerous, tightly regulated signaling pathways. Growth factors and their receptors are some of the most influential genes and proteins regulating the various stages of development. Key to understanding the growth and development of the human body, is the use of other vertebrates to dissect the regulatory networks and then applying this information to human development. Common models for vertebrate development include mouse, chick and zebrafish. We use the zebrafish as a model for vertebrate development, and specifically to study Neural Crest Cell (NCC) development and specification as it relates to craniofacial development. We are also interested in the role of various growth factors during tooth development, specifically mineralization and how that process is disprupted by fluoride.

Courses:

1. Molecular biology
2. Embryology

For more information, please visit Dr. Ferreira's Lab Web page.

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email Hable, Whitney (University of Arizona, 1996 PhD)

My research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cell polarization and growth. I am specifically interested the role the actin cytoskeleton plays in these processes, and how actin dynamics are regulated.

Cell polarization, the generation of asymmetry within a cell, is an essential event underlying many biological processes. For example, in many plant and animal embryos, polarity is established in the egg or zygote, and ultimately determines the basic organization of tissues and organs within the organism. I am investigating this process in zygotes of marine brown algae in the genera Fucus and Silvetia. In these model organisms, polarity is established in the zygote by the site of fertilization, and can be reoriented by environmental signals such as unidirectional light. Actin dynamics are essential for both fertilization-induced polarization and light-induced reorientation of polarity. Current research questions include: 1) Which protein pathways regulate the assembly of actin filaments? 2) What are the molecular mechanisms regulating actin mRNA and protein levels?

Selected Publications:

1. Hable W.E., and Kropf D.L. (2005) The Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin arrays during zygote polarity establishment and growth. Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton 61: 9-20.
2. Bisgrove S.R., Hable, W.E. and Kropf D.L. (2004) +TIPS and microtubule regulation: The beginning of the plus end in plants. Plant Physiol. 136: 3855-3863.
3. Hable W.E., Miller N.R., and Kropf D.L. (2003) Polarity establishment requires dynamic actin in fucoid zygotes. Protoplasma 221: 193–204.
4. Hable W.E., EerNisse P., Hoggan M., and Kropf D.L. (2001) Effect of calcium ionophores on early development in fucoid algae. Phycological Research 49: 145–154.
5. Hable W.E. and Kropf D.L. (2000) Sperm entry induces polarity in fucoid zygotes. Development 127: 493-501.

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Dr. Hart email Hart, Peter E. (University Maryland, 1997 PhD)

Dr. Hart's research program is built around the use of cellular and molecular approaches to answer questions concerning the structure, function, and regulation of the cytoskeleton. Recently, his research has focused on the regulation of the small calcium-binding protein, centrin, during spermatogenesis in mammalian systems. He is interested in the spatiotemporal expression of centrin genes during normal development as well as the aberrant expression of these genes during tumorigenesis. Current projects include: analysis of the epigenetic factors that regulate centrin gene expression, analysis of the cell cycle-dependent expression of centrin genes, and resolution of centrin function during spermatogenesis.

Selected Publications:

1. Hart et al. 2002. Characterization of the X-linked murine Cetn2 gene. Gene 264(2): 205-213.
2. Hart et al. 1999. A testis-specific murine centrin, Cetn1: genomic characterization and evidence for retroposition of a gene encoding a centrosome protein. Genomics 60(2): 111-120.
3. Hart and Wolniak. 1998. Spermiogenesis in Marsilea vestita: a temporal correlation between centrin expression and blepharoplast differentiation. Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton 41: 39-48.

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Dr. Lilly email Lilly, Emily E. (MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 2003 PhD)

Microbial genomics and evolution, phytoplankton, symbiosis

Current research:

1. Phylogenomics and evolution of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms
2. Genome annotation and analysis of the unicellular cyanobacterium Cyanobium
3. Evolution of autotrophy genes in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
4. Horizontal gene transfer as an evolutionary mechanism in free living and symbiotic microbes

For more information, please visit Dr. Lilly's Lab Web page.

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email Longo, Palma J. (Columbia University, 2001 PhD)

Please visit Dr. Longo's web page.

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oconnor_crab_sampling_crew.jpg email O'Connor, Nancy J. (North Carolina State University, 1990 PhD)

Dr. O'Connor's current research focuses on the ecological impacts of the invasion of the Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, on coastal ecosystems, particularly the potential effects of the Asian shore crab on resident crab species, the incorporation of the crab into food webs as both predator and prey, and habitat characteristics that stimulate or inhibit the settlement and metamorphosis of megalopae (late-stage larvae).

Many marine animals have complex life cycles comprising both planktonic larval stages and benthic juvenile and adult stages. My research focuses on habitat characteristics that stimulate or inhibit the settlement and metamorphosis of larval crustaceans, both in the laboratory and the field. My lab group is also investigating the ecological impacts of the invasion of the Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, on coastal ecosystems. We are examining the potential effects of the Asian shore crab on resident crab species, and the incorporation of the crab into food webs as both predator and prey.

Recent Publications

1. O'Connor, N.J. 2005. Influence of extracts of adult crabs on molting of fiddler crab megalopae (Uca pugnax). Marine Biology 146: 753-759
2. O'Connor, N.J. and M.L. Judge. 2004. Molting of fiddler crab Uca minax megalopae: stimulatory cues are specific to salt marshes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 282: 229-236
3. Bourdeau, P.E. and N.J. O'Connor. 2003. Predation by the nonindigenous Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus on macroalgae and molluscs. Northeastern Naturalist 10: 319-334
   
4. Ledesma, M. E. and N. J. O'Connor. 2001. Habitat and diet of the non-native crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus in southern New England. Northeastern Naturalist 8: 63-78
   
5. Phillippi, A. L., N. J. O'Connor, A. F. Lewis, and Y. K. Kim. 2001. Surface flocking as a possible antibiofoulant. Aquaculture 195: 225-238
   
6. O'Connor, N. J. and M. L. Judge. 1999. Cues in salt marshes stimulate molting of fiddler crab megalopae: more evidence from field experiments. Marine Ecology Progress Series 181: 131-139
   
7. Recent Graduate Students:
8. Anita K. Kim (Graduated June 2002)
   Thesis topic: The Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, as a novel food source for the striped killifish, Fundulus majalis
   
9. Johanna C. Blasi (Graduated May 2003)
   Thesis Topic: Marine amphipods as prey for the non-indigenous crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan 1853)
   
10. Kelly A. Simmons (Graduated January 2004)
    Thesis Topic: Competition for shelter between indigenous mud crabs and the nonindigenous Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus
    

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email Oliveira, Kenneth (University of Rhode Island, 1993 PhD)

Graduate students:
Marja Roemer
Joe Iafratoe

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email Rajaniemi, Tara K. (University of Michigan, 2001 PhD)

My research investigates the mechanisms that determine species diversity in plant communities. I am especially interested in explaining patterns of species diversity along environmental gradients. My work has included experimental approaches to separate the effects of aboveground and belowground competition on diversity in an old field and analytical approaches to tease apart the effects of species pools, long-term and short-term abiotic conditions, and species interactions on diversity in Israeli sand-dune communities. I am also interested in the strategies plants use to compete for patchy soil resources.

Recent Publications

1. Rajaniemi, T. K., and H. L. Reynolds. (2004) Root foraging for patchy resources in eight herbaceous species. Oecologia 141:519-525.
2. Rajaniemi, T.K., Allison, V.J., and Goldberg, D.E. (2003) Root competition can cause a decline in diversity with increased productivity. Journal of Ecology 91:407-416.
3. Rajaniemi, T.K. (2003) Evidence for size asymmetry of belowground competition. Basic and Applied Ecology 4:239-247.
4. Rajaniemi, T.K. (2003) Explaining productivity-diversity relationships in plants. Oikos 101:449-457.

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email Stahl, Eli Ayumi (University of Chicago, 2000 PhD)

I study the genetics of natural variation; this area of evolutionary biology has a long history as well as explosive growth with molecular biology and genomics. My interests include two lines of inquiry, each in two systems. The lines of inquiry are (1) to infer population structure and history from DNA fingerprinting data, and (2) to identify genes and make predictions for gene function. The study systems are (1) plants including the genetic model Arabidopsis thaliana as well as plants of conservation/environmental interest, and (2) human pathogens.
Population structure has implications for conservation, molecular epidemiology and gene mapping. The plant genetics work focuses on disease resistance and drought resistance, where phenotypes are correlated with candidate gene DNA sequences. The human pathogen work involves discovering new genes in complete bacterial genome sequences, and studies of pathogen and vector strain genotypes across space and time.
I am looking for students interested in collecting and analyzing DNA variation data, or in genomics and other areas of bioinformatics. Please contact me!

Check out my UMassD faculty website and lab website,
and Kevin Thornton's molpopgen.org.

Recent Publications

1. Mauricio, R*, EA Stahl*, T Korves, M Kreitman, and J Bergelson. Natural selection for polymorphism in the disease resistance gene Rps2 of Arabidopsis. Genetics 163, 735-746. *- joint first authors
   
2. Tian, D, H Araki, EA Stahl, M Kreitman, and J Bergelson. 2002. Signature of balancing selection in Arabidopsis. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. (USA) 99(20Aug), 11525-11530.
   
3. Nordborg, M, JO Borevitz, J Bergelson, CC Berry, J Chory, J Hagenblad, M Kreitman, JN Maloof, T Noyes, PJ Oefner, EA Stahl and D Weigel. 2002. The extent of linkage disequilibrium in the highly selfing species Arabidopsis thaliana. Nature Genet. 30, 190-193.
   
4. Bergelson, J, M Kreitman, EA Stahl and D Tian. 2001. Evolutionary dynamics of plant R-genes. Science 292 (22Jun), 2281-2285.
   
5. Stahl, EA, M Kreitman, G Dwyer, R Mauricio and J Bergelson. 1999. Dynamics of disease resistance polymorphism at the Rpm1 locus of Arabidopsis. Nature 400 (12Aug), 667-671.

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email Turner, Jefferson T. (Texas A&M University, 1977 PhD)

See Dr. Turner's Bio at SMAST (PDF format).

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