Kevin Pham

klphammail.fresnostate.edu

My research is based on the idea that a form of speciation and evolution occurs through prolonged geographical isolation of two populations of the same species. During this timeframe, these separated populations develop genetic changes that cause dysfunction in hybrids; thus, initiating the onset of early speciation. In order to identify such genetic incompatibilities, I am using Caenorhabditis briggsae as the model organism for further investigation. Using C. briggsae, I will be generating hybrids and collecting data such as: genotyping, life history, and mitochondrial health. Genotyping is used to confirm the desired genotype of hybrids. The life history data I am interested in gathering are: eggs laid, embryonic lethality, larval lethality, and self-brood size. To measure the mitochondrial health of our worms, I am using fluorescent imaging to measure levels of reactive oxygen species in strains of interest.