- Research Work Description:
-
I work as a research assistant for the National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) and my research focus is population genetics with
an emphasis on coral reef connectivity. I use mitochondrial DNA sequences from a variety of species including amphipods,
brittle stars, and stingrays to infer patterns of gene flow and genetic biodiversity among reefs in Florida and the Caribbean.
These data are directly applicable to the design of marine protected areas, which are now widely advocated as an effective tool
in the conservation, recovery, and management of coral reef ecosystems.
- Title of thesis/dissertation research project:
- Molecular Genetic Assessment of Population Connectivity, and Biodiversity in Coral Reef Organisms: Application to Marine
Protected Area (MPA) Design
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Mahmood Shivji
- Academic areas of interest:
- Molecular biology, evolution, and ecology.
- Publications:
- Shivji, M.S., and V. Richards. 2007. Bioinformatics Tools in Conservation Biology. In: Using Bioinformatics in the
Exploration
of Genetic Diversity. (Edited by M. He). Biomedical and Life Sciences Audio-Visual Online Presentation Series, Henry Stewart
Talks Publishing. www.hstalks.com.
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Richards, V.P., J.D. Thomas, M.J. Stanhope and M.S. Shivji. 2007. Genetic connectivity in the Florida reef system: comparative
phylogeography of commensal invertebrates with contrasting reproductive strategies. Molecular Ecology 16: 139-157.
Download the paper.
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