Hometown: Homer, AK

Degree seeking: M.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fairbanks

Year of expected graduation: 2005

Major professor: Dr. F. Gerald Plumley

Previous university: Unversity of Alaska Fairbanks

Briefly describe your graduate project: I'm conducting genome characterization of the saxitoxin (paralytic shellfish poison)–producing cyanobacterium Anabaena circinalis (R/95-02). Understanding this genome will allow rapid development of a portable and robust method to detect the presence of saxitoxin and related poisons. Such a method would provide a rapid and accurate assessment of the health hazards associated with marine and freshwater algal blooms that are endemic to waters worldwide, and that pose a real threat to public health.

Why did you choose UAF? It was near home, and in-state tuition was as affordable as I could get as an undergraduate. After I switched to a science discipline, I began to understand the quality of the sciences program here, and chose to remain for a graduate degree.

Favorite pastimes and hobbies: Mountain biking, karate, playing music (rocking out!), and snowboarding.

Most interesting educational experience so far: Currently we are attempting to establish an accurate size of the genome, and are near to concluding it is much smaller than expected. Also, we have found a large extrachromosomal element that appears to shift in and out of the chromosome depending on the growth phase of the bacterial culture. End-sequences of cloned fragments has turned up a surprising amount of "junk" DNA as well as several transposases not previously observed in this genus.

Future plans: Presently, I am weighing options with regards to obtaining a Ph.D. (here, elsewhere?). I may try to acquire a technician position at the university in order to gain some experience prior to moving on. Beyond that I am not sure, but I have put considerable thought into becoming an educator (possibly in my hometown).

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