Iron Biomineralization in Chitons
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Chitons (Polyplacophora) are unusual among molluscs in dentition. They coat their teeth with iron in the form of magnetite, imparting tremendous strength. Chitons feed by scraping up algae on the rocky shoreline, leaving tooth marks on the rocks in their wakes. But how exactly chitons manage to sequester so much iron, and deposit it so precisely, is unknown. My research applies genomic techniques to this question, searching for genes expressed during the iron mineralization process. We are in the process of sequencing the first complete chiton genome. Additionally, transcriptomes will be sequenced from regions of the radula corresponding with increased iron deposition. |
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Other Projects
A very small dragon:
While at Friday Harbor Labs in the summer of 2017, I met Kinorhynchs, tiny mud dragons that live between sand grains and have one of the world's strangest faces. While searching through them, we found a couple that turned out to be a new species. I spent some spare time learning to key out kinorhynchs so we could describe it. The paper is submitted, so hopefully I'll be back soon able to share its name!
Heterobranch phylogenetics:
In collaboration with several other scientists, we are working on a mitogenome-based phylogeny of heterobranch molluscs. Spoiler alert: molluscan phylogeny is a complex thing!
Shark ageing:
Working with collaborators from California, I've applied the knowledge I gained about telomeres during my Masters to a completely different group of animals, asking if telomeres change as expected during growth.
While at Friday Harbor Labs in the summer of 2017, I met Kinorhynchs, tiny mud dragons that live between sand grains and have one of the world's strangest faces. While searching through them, we found a couple that turned out to be a new species. I spent some spare time learning to key out kinorhynchs so we could describe it. The paper is submitted, so hopefully I'll be back soon able to share its name!
Heterobranch phylogenetics:
In collaboration with several other scientists, we are working on a mitogenome-based phylogeny of heterobranch molluscs. Spoiler alert: molluscan phylogeny is a complex thing!
Shark ageing:
Working with collaborators from California, I've applied the knowledge I gained about telomeres during my Masters to a completely different group of animals, asking if telomeres change as expected during growth.
