studying comparative genomics of amoeboid protists.
Our lab is broadly interested in the evolution of sociality in microbes. We
are developing model systems to look at the commonalities among the
greatest examples of convergent evolution known to date. We have discovered
that a great diversity of single celled eukaryotic microbes (AKA protists)
are capable of working with one another to form a complex body made of
thousands of individual cells. This is one of the simplest and most
striking examples of emergent behavior. In many cases, this behavior is
sacrificial where some of the cells that become part of the multicellular
body die for the “greater good” of others. To examine the commonalities
amongst the various social protists, we are taking a multi-pronged approach
using comparative genomics and developmental transcriptomics to elucidate
the genetic basis of sociality.
Our lab is also interested in examining the deep evolution of eukaryotic
lineages. We are using novel approaches in phylogenomics to examine how the
various major groups of eukaryotes evolved over the course of the last 2
billon years. We are currently focused on the evolutionary histories of
amoeboid organisms.
Funding for students initially would be provided through teaching
assistantships within the department, but potential exists for research
assistantship funding in the future. I will also provide a summer salary.
Information on Graduate Studies in the Department of Biological Sciences is
available at http://biology.msstate.edu/
The Mississippi State University Department of Biological Sciences is home
to faculty with broad research & teaching interests in ecology, evolution,
and systematics. Our group has a strong recent record of attracting federal
funding from the NSF, USDA, USGS, and EPA. We use a wide array of
approaches ranging from field studies and experimentation to molecular
approaches including next-generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatics.
Please contact Dr. Matthew Brown (matthew.brown{at}msstate.edu) for more
information. Also, a CV that includes information regarding prior education
and research experience would be appreciated, along with a statement of
your specific research interests.
For more information about the Brown Lab @ MSU, please visit:
http://mwb250.biology.msstate.
Matthew W. Brown, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Biological Sciences
Mississippi State University
008 Harned Hall
Mississippi State, MS 39762
http://mwb250.biology.msstate.
