Principal Investigator: Dr. Vincent P. Richards
I have a broad interest in evolutionary genetics. During my graduate career, I focused primarily on population and evolutionary genetics, exploring topics such as coral reef connectivity and cryptic speciation. For my postdoctoral research, I switched to prokaryotes, focusing on the genomics of bacterial pathogens. Focusing primarily on Streptococcus species, I applied numerous techniques such as comparative genomics, transcriptomics, phylogenomics, and population genomics to better understand how these pathogens evolve and adapt. I'm now continuing this research focus in my lab at Clemson, with a particular emphasis on human and animal microbiomes we are utilizing metagenomic approaches to better understand how these complex communities relate to health.
Professional Experience
2020 - present Associate Professor, Clemson University
2014 - 2020 Assistant Professor, Clemson University
2013 - 2014 Research Associate, Cornell University
2010 - 2013 Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell University
2009 - 2009 Adjunct Professor of Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2000 - 2010 Research Assistant, National Coral Reef Institute and Guy Harvey Research Institute
Professional Experience prior to Academia
Aviation industry (avionics) with British Aerospace
Served in the Royal Air Force (UK)
Education
2010 Ph.D. Marine Biology (Population Genetics), Nova Southeastern University
2006 M.Sc. Marine Biology (Population Genetics), Nova Southeastern University
2001 B.Sc. Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
The Lab
Allison Mann
I'm a biological anthropologist interested in how microbes can help us understand human evolution, health, history, and diversity. My research is focused on the interaction between cross-kingdom microbes in diverse host species including humans, non-human primates, and insect disease vectors. In addition, I am interested in understanding human-associated microbial diversity in the past by analyzing preserved paleofeces and dental calculus from archaeological collections.
Post Doctoral Research Associate
The impact of HIV infection, exposure, and treatment on the oral microbiome
Education
2018 Ph.D. University of Oklahoma
2012 M.Sc. University of Louisville
2009 B.Sc. University of Louisville
Suzanne Crull
I am a PhD student in Dr. Richards' Lab studying cross-kingdom interactions in both environmental and human microbiomes. I am interested in how these interactions influence community composition and the impact they have on human health and disease. Outside of research, my interests include hiking and horseback riding.
Ph.D. Disertation
Microbiome cross-kingdom interactions
Education
2022 B.A. Biochemistry, University of Mississipi
Ciara Aumend
Ciara will be starting Fall 2024
MS Thesis
The Oral Microbiome
Education
2023 B.S. Microbiology, Clemson University
Laary Cushman
I am a PhD student in Dr. Richards' Lab, studying plant genomics and speciation, with over 20 years of professional experience as a field botanist and wetland ecologist. My research involves the genome-wide genotyping of plant populations within the high mountain ranges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I'm utilizing high-throughput sequencing methods (2b-Rad) to compare known populations of Micranthes petiolaris, an ice-age, alpine relict, to a newly discovered, low elevation population of Micranthes. I will use this study system to better understand how historic and future climate change will effect biographically disjunct populations of regional flora, and how future populations may experience segregation and possibly speciate. The project includes a comparative study of unreported genome sizes of 7 Saxifrages within the region, the abiotic environmental conditions shared between these genera, and the physiological trait differences between populations. My future research interests are how the genetic architecture of plants influence ecological specialization and distribution, how epigenetic responses to climate changes lead to variation and speciation, and developing an assessment model for identification of ecologically significant areas for conservation. Follow my research @ www.laaryjc.com
Ph.D. Disertation
Genotype by sequencing and life history of a southern Appalachian species pair (Hydatica necker ex. Gray 1821)
Education
2015 M.Sc. Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University
2009 M.A. Theological Studies, Liberty University
1998 B.Sc. Biology & Technical Writing, University of South Carolina
Eduardo Yanez-Dera
I am a biological sciences student at Clemson learning about viruses in the oral microbiome. I am planning on pursuing dental school and am interested in how viruses can affect teeth and overall health within the oral microbiome.
Undergraduate Research
Dynamics of the dental microbiome as it pertains to caries
Haley Huynh
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Spanish Studies. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in medicine and continue to develop my interests in microbiology and global health. I am currently researching holistic approaches to caries disease prevention by investigating characteristics of the Nigerian diet and its implications on the diversity of the oral microbiome.
Undergraduate Research (Honors)
Dynamics of the dental microbiome as it pertains to caries
Katelyn Shumate
I am a junior management major with a biological sciences minor from Johnson City, Tennessee. I plan on attending dental school after I graduate. Dr. Richards’ lab stood out to me because of the concentration on the oral microbiome. I am currently researching how delivery method affects the oral microbiome and potential development of caries in children.
Undergraduate Research
Dynamics of the dental microbiome as it pertains to caries
Sarah Allen
I am currently a sophomore biological sciences major from Charleston, South Carolina. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in medicine. I learned about Dr. Richards' research on various impacts affecting the oral microbiome and was very intrigued by the oral microbiome's effect on both oral health and overall health. I am researching how biological sex impacts the development of the oral microbiome and dental caries in children.
Undergraduate Research
Dynamics of the dental microbiome as it pertains to caries
Former Lab Members
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
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