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Michael Blouin
Professor, Zoology
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RESEARCH:
The current research foci in my lab are: (1) Evolutionary genetics of parasites, and host-parasite evolution (see example publications below). Past and recent work focused on what controls effective size, gene flow and genetic structure in helminth parasites (nematodes and trematodes). Our most recent work focuses on the molecular evolution of disease resistance loci. We are currently collaborating on an NIH-funded study of loci in snails (Biomphalaria glabrata) that confer resistance to trematodes (Schistosoma mansoni – a serious pathogen of humans). We will be using candidate gene and genome-scan approaches. (2) We are using microsatellite loci to reconstruct the pedigree of an entire population of steelhead trout, Onchorynchus mykiss (photo) for purposes of comparing the relative reproductive success of hatchery and wild fish, and for studying what controls the effective sizes of these populations. See recent newpaper coverage of this work (Associated Press, Reuters). This research is an offshoot of my interests in molecular methods for pedigree reconstruction in natural populations.