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Courses & Advising:
I regularly teach Intermediate Genetics (Biology 233), Genetics
Evolution and Society (Biology 127), and
Evolutionary Biology (Biology 383). I’ve taught Evolution and
Diversity (Biology 126) twice, and I had the pleasure of twice offering
a Center for Integrative
Studies course called Ways of Knowing Ecology
(IS 207) co-taught with Mark Allister (English and Environmental
Studies). I’ve taught one off-campus Interim: Biosphere Ecology (ES
260) at Biosphere 2 Center and
the surrounding areas around Tucson, AZ.
Because I have research and teaching interests in both molecular
genetics and ecology/evolution, I am a member of two interdisciplinary
programs: Biomolecular
Science and Environmental
Studies. I am also involved in advising students interested in
health professions; I am director of the Biomedical Studies
Concentration, a member of
the Health
Professions Committee, and I serve as faculty advisor to the
student pre-dental club on campus.
A few pictures of students in my various courses:
Research Interests:
I have a wide range of research interests
within ecology and evolutionary biology. I have worked mainly with
North American freshwater fishes, and I work both in the field and in
the lab. Much of my research involves determining the genetic
relationships among species and populations using DNA data, and using
that information to address ecological and evolutionary questions.
My research is accessible to students who
are interested in field studies, laboratory work, or both; students
involved in my research projects generally spend some time on both
field and laboratory components of evolutionary genetics research.
Student projects can be designed to test hypotheses within any subfield
of ecology, evolutionary biology, or systematics and taxonomy.
Most of my past research has been done with fish, but I welcome the
opportunity to work with any other species as long as the research
question is of interest.
Much of our past work has involved the
analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b and NADH
dehydrogenase subunit 2) to explore the phylogeography of darter
species in Minnesota (and compare these fish with sequences from
out-of-state conspecifics when possible). More recently, we have
collaborated with Pat Ceas (St. Olaf College) to study the longear
sunfish in Minnesota (funded by the Minnesota
State Wildlife Grants Program as administered by Minnesota DNR).
Genetic analysis for this project has included mitochondrial sequences
but has focused more on analysis of microsatellite loci.
Some pictures from our research:
Past & Current St. Olaf Student
Collaborators:
Molly Fee (2003) – currently in vet school at the University of
Minnesota
Jessica Theorin (2003) – currently in a nurse midwifery program at Yale
University
Matt Berkseth (2004) – currently in graduate school at the University
of Minnesota
Katie Huber (2004) – currently in the MD/PhD program at the University
of Pittsburgh
Brent Kudak (2005) – currently in medical school at the University of
Minnesota
Kristen Mueller (2005) – currently in medical school at Medical College
of Wisconsin
Elizabeth Rivers (2006) – currently working and taking courses
Sonja Ellingson (2007) – currently working at the University of
Minnesota
James Morrison (2007) – currently in graduate school at the Mayo Clinic
Camille Eggebroten (2008) – currently working in Colorado
David Gruner (2008) – currently working in a cardio path lab
Julie Rolfes (2008) – currently in medical school at the University of
Minnesota
Personal Information:
After graduating from Northfield High
School, I got my B.S. from Duke
University and my
Ph.D. from the University of
Illinois. I then went on to teach in the
Biology Program at Centre College
in Danville, Kentucky - I enjoyed three great years there before moving
back to Northfield in summer 2001. I am married to (and sometimes
collaborate on research with) Pat Ceas, and our son Evan was born on
Mother’s Day 2005. We’ve also relieved animal shelters of two mutts
(Louie and Jerry) who terrorize our home and those who dare to enter.
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