Anthropology
Dr. Zeray Alemseged, Curator, Chair
415-379-5384
Zeray Alemseged received his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Paris, France, and has been with the Academy since 2008. His research interest includes, early hominin and primate phylogeny and taxonomy; Origin and evolution of bipedalism; Ontogeny and development in early hominins; Hominin behavior and “social structure”; Early hominin dietary adaptation and biogeography; Hominin paleoenvironmetns and paleoecology. His research program focuses on the discovery and interpretation of hominin fossil remains and their environments with emphasis on fieldwork designed to acquire new data on early hominid skeletal biology, environmental context, and behavior. Specifically, he is currently working in the following areas: Description of new hominin and non-human primates, Growth and development in early hominins, Application of new techniques, such as CT analysis to investigate internal and external structures of hominin fossils, Analysis of environmental and ecological factors affecting primate and human evolutionary processes. He is also leading an international field work at Dikika, Ethiopia, which is undertaking multidisciplinary field research on sediments that span in age from over 3.8 Ma to less 500,000, and is addressing some of the major questions in paleoanthropology. The Pliocene site of Dikika promises to increase our knowledge of the diversity of hominins prior to the time period represented by the oldest sediments at Hadar and other east African sites, and subsequent to the radiation of hominin species after the split from the great apes. The sediments from Asbole, on the other hand, represent a time period poorly known in the region: the Middle Pleistocene. Thus the area has potential to increase our understanding of the patterns of transition from H. erectus (H. heidelbergensis) to H. sapiens.
Botany
Dr. Frank Almeda, Senior Curator, McAllister Chair
415-379-5359
Frank Almeda received his Ph.D. from Duke University in 1975 and joined the Academy's staff in 1978. His current studies center on the systematics and phylogeny of Princess Flowers (Melastomataceae), a world wide family of tropical plants related to the evening primroses and the family that includes Eucalyptus, Bottlebrush, and guavas. He is using this family as a tool to understand biodiversity hotspots in wet tropical forests in the Old and New World with special emphasis on the floras of Brazil and Madagascar. He is also working with an international team on drug discovery and biodiversity conservation in the Ranomafana region of southeastern Madagascar.
1) Systematic significance of seed morphology among neotropical and paleotropical Melastomataceae (tribe Melastomeae). Analysis of the micromorphology of seeds using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate past and current classifications of a large pantropical tribe. Seed morphology has been an important character in assessing relationships within the family but no comprehensive survey has been accomplished to date.
2) Cladistic Analysis of Melastomataceae: Character study and cladogram generation using original observations and published data on vegetative and floral morphology focusing on tribes whose composition and circumscription has been controversial such as the Merianieae, Microlicieae, and Melastomaeae.
Tom Daniel, Curator
tdaniel@calacademy.org
415-379-5350
Tom Daniel studied botany at Duke and Michigan. His research focuses on the mostly tropical plant family Acanthaceae, and includes floristics, taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeography of shrimp plants on a world-wide basis. Current projects include systematic accounts of Acanthaceae in Mexico and Central America, molecular phylogenetics of subfamily Nelsonioideae, monograph of the genus Elytraria, and pollination ecology of southwestern acanths. Additional information and publications can be found at http://research.calacademy.org/botany/staff/tdaniel
Potential projects that involve working with herbarium specimens, scanning electron microscopy, and depending on background (e.g., statistics, molecular techniques, web development) include:
1. Taxonomy and distribution of the Ruellia stemonacanthoides/pereducta complex
2. The genus Dicliptera in Madagascar
3. Taxonomic placement of genera endemic to Papua New Guinea based on DNA sequence data
4. Web-based systematics, phylogenetics, and distribution of Nelsonioideae
Peter Fritsch, Curator
415-379-5356
Peter Fritsch received his Ph.D. in 1995 from the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Program in Botany and the Claremont Graduate School. He joined the Academy's staff in 1996. His primary research focuses on the systematics, biogeography, and evolution of members of the primarily woody flowering plant order Ericales, a group that includes the snowdrops (Styrax), silverbells (Halesia), persimmons, blueberries (Vaccinium), wintergreens (Gaultheria), and ebonies (Diospyros), among many others. Many of the plants in this order are disjunct relicts, which means that they were once (in the Miocene) widespread but are now restricted in range to discrete and widely separated areas of the earth due to climate change. Dr. Fritsch uses a combination of morphological and molecular approaches on these groups to understand their species diversity, evolutionary relationships, and adaptations to particular environments. The patterns of relictualism and speciation elucidated from these studies can eventually lead to a better overall understanding of the effects and significance of climate change on the world's biota.
Potential Project: A well known plant fossil specialist of the western United States has postulated the presence a dry-adapted belt of frost-intolerant vegetation prior to the Miocene 23-25 million years ago that occurred at relatively high latitudes in the northern hemisphere and gradually became restricted to the western United States and Central Asia with the advent of cooler conditions. Other workers have rejected the possibility of such a vegetation belt, citing paleoclimate and other fossil data. These two competing ideas can be tested by use of a “molecular clock” (even a roughly running one) with DNA sequence data calibrated with specific fossil ages. This project will generate DNA sequence data from the chloroplast genome in a group of plants that grows in California, Texas, and the Mediterranean region (Styrax) and input the sequence data into a computer program to estimate divergence times in the group and thus test the validity of this “Madrean-Tethyan” hypothesis.
Center for Comparative Genomics
Dr. W. Brian Simison, Assistant Curator, Director of the Center for Comparative Genomics
415-379-5297
Brian Simison received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2000 and has been with the Academy since 2007. His research interests include the evolution of mitochondrial genomes, marine biology and phylogenetics. He is currently studying the global phylogeography of limpets (Gastropoda: Patellogastropoda) and the mechanisms responsible for antitropical distributions. He is also actively involved in understanding the mechanisms for gene order change in mitochondria and how these changes might be applied to phylogenetic inference.
Projects might include, but are not limited to:
1) The origins of temperate Pacific seagrass limpets using morphological and molecular systematics.
2) Investigating the population structure and possible sources of morphotypes found in the California limpet species Lottia pelta.
3) Participate in programming projects to develop web interfaces for phylogenetic applications on a high performance computing cluster.
Entomology
Dr. Brian L. Fisher, Curator
Research focus:
1. Explore ant diversity and biogeography in Madagascar and East Africa.
2. Apply knowledge on the origin and radiation of arthropods across the southwest Indian Ocean to inform and aid conservation planning for the region; specifically examine the evolution of ants in the context of a changing climate and relate results from historical climate driven shifts in diversity and distributions in the region to the projected changes in climate over the next century.
3. Provide universal access to ant information: www.AntWeb.org
Current research questions:
1. What role has isolation, geographic placement, geological history, and environmental heterogeneity played in structuring patters of endemic species in the southwest Indian Ocean.
2. What is the origin of the ant fauna of Madagascar? Did the major lineages disperse from Africa or Asia? How many colonization events occurred from Africa to the SWIO islands for each genus? Did the Comoros Islands serve as stepping stones in this dispersal? Was there any backward movement from Madagascar to the African mainland or to other SWIO islands? What was the timeframe for these dispersal events?
3. Does a phylogenetic analysis of ant diversity patterns in Madagascar identify the same conservation priority areas as an analysis based on morphology based taxonomic (species) diversity?
Dr. Charles Griswold, Curator, Schlinger Chair
415-379-5312
The student will assist in projects studying goblin spiders (Oonopidae) and/or giant goblin spiders (Orsolobidae). Goblin spiders comprise a worldwide group of small, grotesque spiders with interesting somatic and genitalic morphology. This spider family is currently under study by a worldwide team of more than 40 scientists with the aim of describing all the world’s nearly 2000 species in less than 10 years. The SSI project will focus on CAS’ extensive collection of goblin spiders from Madagascar, all of which appear to comprise new species. Giant goblin spiders are an austral group, occurring in South Africa, southern South America, New Zealand and Australia. CAS has fresh specimens from all of these places allowing a phylogenetic study of the family using molecular and morphological data. Giant goblin spider phylogeny will allow insights into the historical biogeography of the austral region, including potential orsolobid origin in Mesozoic Gondwanaland. The SSI student will learn techniques to obtain and analyze morphological and molecular data, including scanning electron microscopy.
Dr. David Kavanaugh, Senior Curator
415-379-5315
Information about Dr. Kavanaugh's research and academic interests can be found here.
Biodiversity inventory of the predaceous ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) fauna of the Gaoligong Mountains of western Yunnan Province, China. Selected intern will assist with (1) the identification of species based on study of the existing literature, (2) description of newly discovered species, (3) development of an identification key for a selected group, and (4) development of a manuscript for publication of results.
Herpetology
Dr. Robert Drewes, Curator
415-379-5286
Since 1998, my lab has been studying the unique, highly endemic fauna of the Gulf of Guinea Islands, off the West African coast. The two central islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, are classic oceanic islands and have never been attached to the African mainland. We have shown that 100% of the amphibian species found on these islands (seven species of five families) are naturally occurring, endemic species probably of great age. Four previous SSI interns have been involved in this work, most recently on snakes.
Obviously, most of our research to date has been on the Gulf of Guinea reptiles and amphibians. However, during the next SSI cycle, we will have the opportunity to analyze the taxonomic status of a most remarkable mammal species, the São Tomé shrew (Crocidura thomensis). If this most unlikely of over-water dispersers is a “real”, naturally occurring species, it may prove to be the only endemic oceanic island shrew known to science. We have recently obtained tissues and voucher specimens of this strange creature from São Tomé, and we collected two samples of a supposed introduced relative (C. poensis) from the much older Príncipe Island in 2006. I am returning to the islands in February of 2010, in part to secure additional Príncipe material. I am seeking an intern willing to learn molecular techniques and appropriate algorithms in order to conduct a preliminary molecular analysis of the two island populations in comparison with DNA sequence from widespread mainland populations. A major revision that includes sequence from many of the mainland relatives has already been published and the sequences registered in GenBank; thus, comparative sequence data are already available.
Our Gulf of Guinea Biodiversity project and expeditions are described in the following blog: http://islandbiodiversityrace.wildlifedirect.org/ Interested applicants are encouraged to read the blog in its entirety.
Invertebrate Zoology and Geology
Dr. Terrence M. Gosliner, Senior Curator
1) Systematics of the Indo-Pacific species of the nudibranch genus Cuthona. This large genus of nudibranchs has been poorly studied in tropical waters. Recent collections from several localities have yielded more than 25 undescribed species, and the project will focus on describing new taxa and developing a preliminary phylogeny for this group.
2) Systematics and phylogeny of the dendronotine nudibranch genus Doto. This genus contains many described species from temperate and tropical waters. Discovery of several undescribed species has prompted systematic and phylogenetic study of this clade and vicariance biogeographic analysis.
3) Description of new species of nudibranchs from the California coast.
4) Descriptions of five new species of Aglajidae (Opisthobranchia: Cephalaspidea). This project will involve description and anatomical studies of Indo-Pacific aglajids including species description and construction of preliminary phylogenies.
Dr. Rich Mooi, Curator, Chair, and REU Site Director
415-379-5270
Rich Mooi received his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Toronto, Canada, and has been with the Academy since 1990. He studies the systematics, phylogeny, paleontology, and biogeography of echinoderms, particularly sea urchins and sand dollars. His field work has included submersible dives off the Bahamas, paleontology in Alaska, and ship-based collecting in Antarctica. His research can be summarized as the study of the origins of evolutionary novelty, for which the Echinodermata is an excellent model. These studies are culminating in a theory that describes the homologies and evolutionary relationships among major clades throughout the phylum Echinodermata.
Example projects include, but are not limited to:
1) Origin and evolution of the northeastern Pacific sand dollar fauna (Clypeasteroida: Echinoidea). An examination of both Recent and fossil genera to develop cladistic and morphometric analyses that will examine the origins of this fauna.
2) Phylogenetics of the clypeasterine sand dollars. Although there are over 40 nominal species in the genus Clypeaster, morphometrics will be necessary to determine validity of these with the hope of using specimens to develop characters for a phylogenetic analysis.
Dr. Gary C. Williams, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology
415-379-5244
and
Dr. Robert Van Syoc, Senior Collections Manager of Invertebrate Zoology
415-379-5259
Gary Williams has studied various aspects of the biology of octocoral cnidarians on a global scale – including southern Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean Sea, the eastern Pacific, the Indo-Pacific, and the Southern Oceans. Gary received his Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town, where he studied the systematics and biogeography of the octocoral fauna of the southern African subcontinent.
Corals actually represent four kinds of marine animals – black corals, stony corals, hydrocorals, and octocorals. These organisms are found at all depths and in all oceans, from freezing polar seas to the warm tropics. The octocorals include the soft corals, sea fans, and sea pens. Various taxa of sea fans can act as host organisms for coral gall barnacles, primarily in the genus Conopea.
Bob Van Syoc has studied various topics in marine ecology and invertebrate zoology, from San Francisco Bay to the South Pacific. Bob earned his Ph.D. at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where he used DNA analysis to study genetic relationships and speciation among barnacles at the molecular level. Bob’s current research focuses on symbiotic relationships of barnacles with sponges and corals.
Barnacles live in all of the worlds' oceans, from the depths of hydrothermal vents to the tidal pools and estuaries. Therefore, they can be very useful for studying biogeography and ecology as well as phylogenetics. Their hard shells remain long after the inhabitant is dead. These shells are abundant along all continental margins and many become fossilized. In fact, Charles Darwin recognized that “Cirripedes now abound so under every zone, all over the world, that the present period will hereafter apparently have as good a claim to be called the age of Cirripedes, as the Palaeozoic period has to be called the age of Trilobites.”
The 2011 SSI project will examine species diversity, symbioses, and host specificity of octocoral-inhabiting barnacles. The research will be co-advised by Drs. Williams and Van Syoc.
Ornithology & Mammalogy
Dr. Jack Dumbacher, Curator
415-379-5377
Information about Dr. Dumbacher's research and academic interests can be found here.
Phylogeography of lowland New Guinea - Although the lowlands of New Guinea include large basins and continuous forest tracts, animals living there show tremendous geographical variation. We are studying the underlying genetic variation of six widespread and common lowland bird species to study the historical and population genetic origins of this variation. We have multiple samples from each species, representing most of the major geographical regions.
Dr. David P. Mindell, Dean of Science, Curator of Ornithology
David P. Mindell joined the California Academy of Sciences in 2008 as Dean of Science and Curator of Birds. He is an evolutionary biologist with primary long-term research interest in the molecular phylogenetics and evolution of the orders and families of birds. Specific current research projects with colleagues concern the phylogenetics of hawks, eagles and Old World vultures in the family Accipitridae, genetic distinctiveness and conservation status of the Harpy Eagle and Oriental White-backed Vulture, evolution of small genome sizes in birds and coevolution of birds and retroviruses. He is also interested in the history, philosophy and societal relevance of evolutionary science. His recent book "The Evolving World: Evolution in Everyday Life" (Harvard University Press, 2007) discusses the many applications of evolution to our everyday lives, in domestication of wild species for agriculture; in managing our exposure to pathogens to prevent or control epidemics; in promoting human health; in fostering the diversity of species which safeguard functional ecosystems; in the pursuit of justice within the legal system; and in promoting scientific discovery through education and research.
Possible intern projects include working collaboratively on:
1) molecular systematics of species in avian family Falconidae (falcons, caracaras)
2) conducting gene-expression profiles for viruses in avian tissue samples
3) assisting in development of web pages on virus - host species associations and coevolution