|
Molecular
Biology
Dr. H.
Gert de Couet - the function and evolution of genetic
networks responsible for the development and function of the
cytoskeleton and neuro-muscular systems of animals.
Dr.
Michael Hadfield - the chemosensory mechanisms
of marine slugs, with a special emphasis on finding and characterizing
the major gene family that specifies chemoreceptor proteins;
examining microsatellite DNA sequences to compare genetic
identities of endemic tree snails, analyze the degree of inbreeding
in very small, remnant field populations, and devise breeding
plans for captive-rearing.
Dr.
Tom Humphreys - molecularly clone and characterize
the receptors and other functional molecules of immune cells
in marine sponges; characterization of the expression and
the developmental role of master control genes that specify
vertebrate structures to understand the evolutionary pathways
that have lead to the chordates.
Dr.
Mark Martindale - the cellular and molecular formation
of metameric body plans; the relationship between radially
symmetrical and bilaterally symmetrical organisms; the role
of the early cleavage program in the segregation of developmental
potential in a wide variety of animals which share a mode
of embryogenesis known as spiral cleavage.
Dr.
Steven Robinow - genetic and hormonal regulation
of nervous system development in the fruit fly Drosophila
melanogaster, particularly how developmental signals such
as hormones, nuclear receptors, trophic factors and synaptic
contacts regulate gene expression to control nervous system
development and function.
Dr.
Robert Toonen - evolution of larval life history
modes, patterns and consequences of larval dispersal and settlement
cues for marine species; phylogeography and population structure
in marine invertebrates; quantifying patterns of connectivity
and distribution of genetic structure for the purpose of designing
marine protected areas (MPAs); stock structure and management
of fisheries species; the ecology, biogeography and impact
of invasive marine species on Hawaii's coral reef communities.
Dr.
Athula Wikramanayake - cellular and molecular mechanisms
that establish the animal-vegetal (A/V) axis in animal eggs
and the mechanisms by which developmental information along
this axis regulates early cell fates.
|
