Current Research Interests:
My laboratory concentrates on interpreting kelp (large brown seaweeds of the order Laminariales) taxa interrelationships on the basis of molecular divergence. Particularly, our objectives are 1) to define the genetic origin of kelp within the brown algae, the date of this event and the relationship of kelp to other orders of brown algae; 2) define the molecular divergence used to delineate these taxa; 3) relate the molecular divergence among taxa to their potential interfertility; and 4) assess the mode of kelp dispersal (spores, drift plants) and its relationship to gene flow and gene diversity along the beach. These objectives are sought by comparing molecular divergence of rDNA, cpDNA and actin gene systems using standard techniques of PCR, sequencing, DGGE and established phylogenetic inference methods. Our early findings suggest a recent origin of kelp (15-30 mya) and little molecular divergence relative to flowering plants at the same taxonomic levels. This research is conducted at the Marine Molecular Laboratory of the Bamfield Marine Station.
Last Updated 09/23/1999