Michelle Downey Email & Phone Number

Houston, Tx

Houston, Tx

Smalley-Curl InstituteApplied Physics Graduate Program

Houston, Texas Area

Rice Office of STEM Engagementhttp://www.rstem.rice.edu/

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program. Accomplishments include:- Completed several field and laboratory experiments in evolutionary ecology- Performed different laboratory techniques to obtain genetic data- Analyzed data using statistical models- Researched primary literature using journal databases (JSTOR, Web of Science, PubMed)- Published and presented research results to both scientific and non-scientific audiences- Served as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for undergraduate and graduate courses in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program (Animal Behavior; Infectious Diseases; Graduate Student Seminar: Professional Development; Insect Biology Lab)- Trained and mentored undergraduate students in research and analysis- Procured grants and funding for research throughout graduate work

Identified different tree species and collected leaf, flower, and fruit samples for photography to be used in a mobile phone application for identifying trees of North America (LeafSnap project). Assisted photographer with sample mounting and photography in the field.

- Taught the laboratory component to Functional Biology and Genetics classes- Responsible for laboratory preparation of materials and equipment- Revised course content and delivered lectures- Instructed students on laboratory safety- Laboratory Coordinator (genetics): trained new lab instructors

San Marcos, Tx

For my Master’s thesis I investigated how different host plant use among populations of the juniper hairstreak butterfly, Mitoura gryneus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) might contribute to reproductive isolation. I used both laboratory experimental data and population genetics analyses to conclude that for the geographic areas within the study, populations are differentiated and this corresponds to differences in host plant use, suggesting incipient ecological speciation.- Performed reciprocal transplant experiments for butterflies on different host plants - Identified favorable field sites based on written descriptions of locations of host plants- Traveled to different field sites spanning > 500 miles (camping, extensive hiking at each site)- Recorded GPS coordinates and used spatial information in landscape genetics analysis- Collected live specimens in the field and assayed female preference in host choice trials- Handled developing larvae and maintained on host plant substrate throughout development- Conducted population genetics analysis (both mitochondrial and AFLP data)

Obtained genetic sequence data (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing) and analyzed data for projects related to population genetics of arthropods.

A. E. Wood Lab, San Marcos Fish Hatchery, Genetics

Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Children's Health Services Research

Master Of Science (M.S.), Ecology And Evolutionary Biology

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student Association (Publicity and Marketing Chair; Wellness Center committee member; Grants committee.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Population And Conservation Biology

Activities and Societies: Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society Biology Graduate Student Organization

Ba, Biology, Studio Art