Alex characterized the mitochondrial genome of Dermacentor albipictus.
Alex compared the ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences of two species of parasitic nematode of the genus Alocostoma.
Photo taken by Katherine Fedoroff
Anish examined the magnitude of genetic variation among populations of Dermacentor variabilis.
Chantel studied the population genetics of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Chantel had previously worked in my lab on ticks for two summers (2007 & 2008) as an NSERC USRA and conducted a research project as part of her undergraduate degree (BIOL 481.6).
Clare examined questions relating to the ticks (Ixodes spp.) and bacteria from pocket gophers, ground squirrels and other small mammals (shrews, voles, mice, etc.). Clare previously conducted a research project in my lab as part of her undergraduate degree (BIOL 481.6).
Cole studied the prevalence of the different non-pathogenic Francisella-like endosymbionts in Dermacentor variabilis.
Emily assisted in the field collection of ticks, their identification and preparation of total genomic DNA samples. She also conducted preliminary microsatellite assays on black-tailed prairie dogs and their ectoparasitic fleas.
Heather used molecular tools to investigate the transovarial transmission of the non-pathogenic Francisella-like endosymbionts in ticks.
James studied the mitochonrial genomes of bedbugs and their relatives.
James assisted in the field collection of ticks, their identification and preparation of total genomic DNA samples.
Jana is interested in the mechanisms underlying geographic and phylogenetic patterns of biodiversity. Using genomic data and population genetic approaches, she is studying hybrid zones and evolutionary patterns in the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris.
Katie identified ticks submitted to our lab. She had conducted research in my lab previously as a undergraduate student (NSERC USRA and BIOL 480.3) working on several projects including the genetic characertization of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes, and the population genetics of Dermacentor albipictus.
Morgan is characterizing the mitochondrial genome variation in winter ticks.
Prasobh is comparing the population genetics of Dermacentor andersoni and D. variabilis across the Canadian prairies.
Ray conducted a preliminary study on the use of microsatellites for population genetic studies in black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis).
Shaun examined fundamental questions relating to the ticks, Dermacentor variabilis and D. andersoni, and the bacteria (pathogenic and endosymbionts) they habour.
Tina conducted her MSc research project on the population genetics and phylogeography of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Saskatchewan. Tina was cosupervised by Prof. Doug Chivers.