|
Research interests
Professor Mindell's research group focuses on molecular phylogenetics and evolution of birds using nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs. They apply phylogenies to questions regarding the age and tempo of avian diversifications, and the resolution of taxonomic uncertainties. They use molecular laboratory techniques including cloning, amplifying and sequencing of DNA from both contemporary and museum samples over 100 years old, and DNA microsatellite analyses. Analytical methods used in evolutionary analyses of large data sets include Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and parsimony approaches to infer phylogeny as well as genetic structure within and among populations. Another research focus concerns the evolution and phylogeny of retroviruses, and their coevolution with birds and other vertebrates.
Research group
Research Scientist: Dr. Jeff A. Johnson
Graduate Students: Joseph W. Brown, Damian Fermin (Bioinformatics), Heather R. L. Lerner
Undergraduate Students: Jonathon Gottfried, Matthew Klaver
Ongoing projects
• Molecular phylogenetics of Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, Old World vultures) and Strigidae (owls)
• Estimation of rates of molecular evolution and ages of extant bird families using molecular and fossil evidence
• Assessment of population genetic distinctiveness and conservation of the Harpy Eagle, Oriental White-backed Vulture, Cape Verde Kite, Hook-billed Kite, Gyrfalcon, Peregrine, Orange-breasted Falcon
• Evolution of small genome size and rates of gene duplication in birds
• Coevolution of birds and retroviruses
• Phylogenetics and taxonomy of virus higher-level taxa, particularly Retroviridae
• Improving models of molecular evolution for phylogenetic analyses of birds and viruses of vertebrates
Facilities
Professor Mindell's molecular research laboratory is located in the Ruthven Museums Building on Central Campus of the University of Michigan and consists of about 1100 square feet in four adjoining rooms. We maintain an additional room as an 'ancient DNA' facility, which is dedicated solely for work on extracting and amplifying DNA from museum specimen tissue samples. Strict protocols are observed to eliminate possibilities for contamination with other DNAs. We are frequent users of the University of Michigan DNA Core Sequencing Facility which has two ABI 3730 automated sequencers.
Collaborations
Most of the projects noted above collaborative with other scientists from U-M and from around the world. Research projects on accipitrids and falconids in particular are conducted in conjunction with The Peregrine Fund and their international group of field biologists.
Together with colleagues and students, Professor Mindell is developing comprehensive web pages for Birds as part of the Tree of Life Web Project. A similar effort has been initiated for Viruses as well.
|
