Mary Virginia Ashley
Email Address: ashley@uic.eduCollege: Liberal Arts and Sciences Department: Biological Sciences
Title: Professor
Office: 1031 SEL
Webpage: http://www.uic.edu/depts/malab/
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: No
Research Interest:
My research program involves using the genetic (DNA) variation to study ecological and evolutionary processes in nature. We are also interested in applying ecological genetics to issues in conservation biology and the management of threatened species, including genetic aspects of restorations and reintroductions.
Many plants balance their resources between floral (sexual) reproduction and clonal (asexual) reproduction. While clonal reproduction provides certain assurances and benefits to a specific individual (genet), it does not produce the genetic diversity of floral reproduction. Genetic diversity is a key component for a species to survive or to adapt to changes in the environment. Hence, while clonal reproduction may produce what appears to be a relatively large local population, if it is comprised of a single genetic individual, its lack of genetic diversity may threaten its long term persistence.
I am looking for students to assist in a project that will use DNA analysis to distinguish the genetic composition of individual plants (ramets) within populations in order to determine what factors can shift the balance between floral and clonal reproduction. One specific factor currently being studied is the effect of deer herbivory on forest understory plants. Deer browse understory plants at their flowering time, so the loss of flowers inhibits floral reproduction. Since the individual plant does not expend resources on producing fruits and seeds, there is a greater likelihood of the plant expending resources to produce a clone. In the extreme case, excessive clonal reproduction can lead to a loss of genetic diversity and threaten the viability of local populations or species. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10 Qualifications of a Student:
Preference is for a biological sciences major with a gpa of 3.0 or better. Completion or enrollment in 230, 221, and some laboratory research experience is desirable but not required. Students will need to be able to spend several hours in the laboratory one or two days per week. Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Student will learn in DNA extraction, PCR, genotyping, and data analysis. The objective of the study is to compare clonal structure in a woodland plant, bluebead lily, growing on Great Lakes Islands with and without deer.
NOTE: This researcher is currently not accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research Experience program.
Return to Biological Sciences list
Return to Departments list