Ivania Ceron - ivceron@yahoo.com
I am interesting to test the importance of these factors by using high-resolution genetic markers to examine the fine-scale patterns of genetic variation in estuaries with both high and low water movement in the two mangrove dominant species, Avicennia germinans (Black mangrove) and Rhizophora mangle (Red mangrove) that differ in seed morphologies.
In my thesis project I'm using nuclear and chloroplast microsatellites markers to determine 1) the relative importance of seed versus pollen dispersal, 2) the spatial scale of water dispersal and 3) the correlation (if any) between the observed distribution of genetic variation and landscape factors such as edaphic and hydrological conditions. These data will provide important insights into the key factors influencing genetic diversity in plant species adapted to water dispersion. Furthermore, the data will refine our understanding of a conservation unit in mangrove species because help to determine both the natural boundaries of mangrove populations and the terrestrial or water environmental factors that are most important in determining gene flow. This information is crucial to develop long-term strategies for preserving existing tropical estuary ecosystems and for rebuilding habitat decimated by human disturbance.
Elsie Rivera - elsierivera@yahoo.com
comments coming soon...
Manuel Ramirez - maramire70@hotmail.com
comments coming soon...
Nestor Perez - yaui@yahoo.com
The Mona iguana project started on 2004 as part of an effort to understand the factors that may be affecting this endangered and endemic species. Unusual demographic traits of the Mona iguana population are the skewed age structure and the low density compared with other Cyclura species. An identified factor affecting the Mona iguana population is very high predation levels of hatchling iguanas by feral cats and native predators. We are trying to understand the extent of other factors affecting the population such as the territorial behavior and the variance in reproductive success for males and females. Our methodologies include mark recapture, radio telemetry, geographical information systems and paternity analysis using microsatellites. Reproductive success of males and females will be determined using genetics techniques. For the last two years, the Mona Iguana Project has provided hatchlings to be kept in captivity for two years until they reach a size that presumably will allow overcome being predated once they are released into the wild.
Alejandro Merchan - merchan@hpcf.upr.edu
I have two main goals as a PhD student in the McMillan's Lab. First, do comparative mapping among different Heliconius species to determine synteny at different levels. We want to determine the chromosomal conservation in the genus and its importance in evolution. Second, using markers closely linked to color pattern genes, test the hypothesis of hybrid origin in Heliconius heurippa . It has been proposed that this species is the result of ancient hybridization between H. cydno and H. melpomene . To test that, we will try to get close to color pattern genes, which are important for speciation and determine their evolutionary histories in the three species.
Pascal C. Mege - pascal.mege@gmail.com
I studied previously in the Université des Antilles et de la Guyane , Guadeloupe and Université d'Angers , France .
I focus now on the microbial communities associated with corals; by extracting bacteria-specific 16sDNA from coral samples, we can assess the composition and diversity of coral-associated bacteria. The first part of my work should bring background data regarding healthy coral colonies in Puerto Rico , particularly on the genus Acropora . Further studies should help to describe bleached and diseased coral-associated communities, in order to describe differences and similarity when compared to healthy specimens. Other projects could lead to temporal or geographic comparisons (within caribeans or Atlantic/Pacific).
Felix Araujo - odiseus35@yahoo.com
By working in W. Owen McMillan's Lab I am starting a new chapter in my research life now that I am a college graduate. As an undergraduate I received intensive molecular biology training in the "Regulation of Gene Expression" area. I am current a laboratory technician for the butterfly team. We are generating data from AFLP analysis to map the genes implicated in the wing color patter of butterflies of Heliconius genus. We will also use this information to answer various questions in the molecular ecology and evolutionary biology areas. My past research experience as well as the present one will let me gain research experience because I am planning on getting started with my graduate studies in the near future.
Keysa Rosas - keysa.rosas@gmail.com
I am mainly interested in conservation genetics and reproductive behavior. My master's thesis research will focus on studying the mating system of the Mona Island rock iguana ( Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri ), in particular, I will be determining if there is an incidence of multiple paternity. Understanding its reproductive behavior of this species is vital since this is a threatened population. Moreover, all the members of this genus are among the most endangered lizards in the world, so understanding the reproductive behavior of this species might help in the design of conservation and management strategies for the other species. Currently, I am developing microsatellite markers for this species.
Karla Maldonado - alondra14321@yahoo.com
I had been working at McMillans Lab since 2001 as undergraduate researcher. I participated in several conferences and presented the results of my research work in genetics of color pattern of Heliconius butterflies. In 2004 I started my graduate studies at McMillan's lab. I still work on the genetics of color pattern. My thesis pretends to create a linkage map of the color pattern genes in Heliconius erato notabilis . I love to work at the lab because everyday we confront a new challenge that let us continue learn.
Ximena Velez-Zuazo - xvelezuazo@gmail.com
I am currently finishing the master's degree at UPR conducting a research on the hawksbill sea turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata ) aggregations of Mona and Monito Island. Sea turtles became part of my life in 1999, in Tortuguero , Costa Rica. Since 2001 I am collaborating with Proyecto Carey in Mona and Desecheo Is. with hawksbills and also green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) in the Culebra Archipelago. I am interested in population genetics and the use of diverse molecular marker to infer about dispersal patterns, gene flow and migratory and reproductive behavior. For my thesis project I will be answering specific questions about sea turtles migration using mtDNA markers, and about reproductive strategies, using nuclear molecular markers. The most exciting part of this project is that I will be combining the genetic results with ecological data collected by Proyecto Carey for the last 14 years to have a better understanding of sea turtles behavior.
When not in the lab (something very rare lately!) I like to go running or swimming (specially snorkeling), do some reading, some drawing or just walk around.
