Achievement

Each incoming trainee is required to complete a research rotation in each of the three core areas. Erik Hanschen, a first-year trainee in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department, completed one of his rotations under the guidance Dr. Michael Barker, an IGERT faculty member. Erik investigated the possible explanation for the very few gene duplications in red algae. Erik then expanded his research to look at other genomes and addressed broader questions concerning the evolution of gene families. Erik has been collaborating with fellow IGERT trainee Jennifer Wiscaver; together they are completing analyses and preparing a manuscript for submission. This is a big accomplishment for Erik, since it is uncommon for a first-year student to publish research from a six-week rotation project. This work and resulting manuscript were enabled by the collaborations formed in the IGERT program.