Cheryl Pinzone
 
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Research Interests


  My broad interests lie in the field of evolutionary genetics. I am interested in studying two ideas brought about by Darwin; natural selection and speciation. How is genetic variation in particular traits generated and maintained within populations?  How much does a genotype confer to a phenotype, and how much does the environment (external or chromosomal) contribute to the result? 

  My current project observes the effect mating has on the female immune response.  Using quantitative PCR, the expression of immune genes from several innate immune pathways were measured.  Using D. melanogaster, I determined the effect of novel male ejaculate on the result of homotypic and heterotypic matings (males from the same, vs. males from different geographic origins).  Also, the results of matings across a latitudinal gradient down the eastern United States are being analyzed.