R. Craig Albertson
Professor
Education
B.S., University of New Hampshire, 1996
Ph.D., University of New Hampshire, 2002
Postdoctoral:
The Forsyth Institute and Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 2002 - 2006
Professional Bio
Research Interests:
Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Research in my lab aims to better understand the relationship between genotype and phenotype (i.e., G-P). For reasons of experimental utility and evolutionary richness, our main experimental model is the skeletal system in bony fishes. Our general approach is to integrate studies in laboratory models (e.g., zebrafish) and natural populations (e.g., cichlid fishes) to address questions related to the development and evolution of complex morphologies. Methods of study include quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, population genomics, quantitative RT-PCR, RNA-seq, in situ hybridization, experimental embryology, and quantitative shape analysis (geometric morphometrics). In addition, we seek to make more general contributions to the field in the form of new conceptual and predictive frameworks for evo-devo studies. Some research topics/themes in the lab include:
1. Genetic/genomic basis of adaptive morphological (co)variation
2. Evolution mutant models to study development, disease, and evolution
3. Molecular basis and evolution of phenotypic plasticity
4. Contemporary evolution of cichlids in response to rapid anthropogenic change
5. Evolution and genetic basis of locomotor activity patterns among Lake Malawi cichlids
A more detailed description of ongoing research in the lab, a list of publications, as well as current and past lab personnel may be found HERE
Representative Publications:
A complete list of publications may be found HERE