The American Genetic Association in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute, The Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, Frederick, Maryland, NOAHS-Smithsonian Institution and White Oak Conservation Center is presenting a 13 day intensive course February 7, 2010 through February 20, 2010, at the White Oak Conservation Center in Florida, USA.

The course will be directed by Dr. Stephen J. O’Brien and taught by renowned scientists in methods, interpretation, and applications of molecular genetic analyses for conservation of endangered species. Taking advantage of the unique opportunities offered at the White Oak Conservation Center, this course will have a strong emphasis on the synergy among conservation genetics, comparative genomics, and veterinary and animal sciences including reproductive technologies and host/disease interactions.

Faculty: The faculty for 2010 already include (more being added and subject to change):

• Scott Baker, Molecular Ecology and Evolution, University of Auckland
• Brian Bowen, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii
• Eduardo Eizirik, Catholic University, Brazil
• Susie Ellis, Save the Rhino Fund
• Linda Munson, U.C. Davis
• Al Roca, Univ. of Illinois
• Oliver Ryder, San Diego Zoo
• Robert Wayne, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA
• David Wildt, Smithsonian Institutes, Washington DC
• James Wilgenbusch, Computational Science, Florida State University

In addition, members of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, NCI-Frederick include: Warren Johnson, Bailey Kessing, Sher Hendrickson, Jennifer Troyer, Joan Pontius, Jill Pecon-Slattery, and Victor David and scientists from White Oak include Scott Citino, Linda Penfold, and Steve Shurter.

TOPICS include:

• Sampling strategies
• Technologies for detecting genetic variation
• Genetic analysis:
  • bioinformatics and the use of molecular genetic databases
  • estimating genetic diversity with molecular markers
  • phylogenetic algorithms: use and interpretation
  • phylogeography
  • population structure and demographic history
  • kinship and paternity assessment
• Emerging pathogens in natural populations
• Integration of genetics in conservation management
  

Applicants should be conservation-minded scientists (advanced graduate students, post-docs, teachers, and researchers with advanced degrees) from academia, government, non-government organizations, or industry who are studying the genetics of endangered species and who will apply the knowledge gained from this course to the conservation of such species. Application forms will be available on-line by June 20, 2009.

Please visit this website periodically for course updates.


This page last updated June 29, 2009