Education
- B.S., 2001, Willamette University
- Ph.D., 2007, Indiana University
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/brianalgross/
Research
My research deals with understanding how deterministic forces (such as natural selection) and stochastic processes (such as genetic drift) shape the origin of species and evolution of lineages. While both forces are important, the relative contribution and effect of each is often unknown. I use systems that show repeated evolution to distinguish the repeated effects of deterministic forces from those that differ due to stochastic processes. My research encompasses a variety of taxa including wild, weedy, and domesticated plants ranging from domesticated apples to African rice. I utilize comparisons at both the intraspecific and interspecific level, and apply ecological, quantitative, and population genetics and genomics to examine the potential for and patterns resulting from repeated evolution.
See a video regarding my work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations here.
Recent Publications
Please see my Google Scholar page
Teaches
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BIOL 2201 Genetics
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BIOL 2202 Genetics Lab
Current Graduate Student
- Maria Gomez-Quijano, (M.S., Integrated Biosciences)
- John Vallez (M.S. Integrated Biosciences)
Previous Graduate Student
Marissa Spear co/advised with Dr. Julie Etterson (M.S., Integrated Biosciences)
Hobbies
Training for marathons or half-marathons and learning to play the harp.