Dr. Carlos Prada

Dr. Prada is an assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island. His lab focuses on how populations adapt to different environments, what physiological adaptations are made to cope with different temperatures in water, and seeing if changes are related to genetics.

Temperature changes in aquatic systems can cause many organisms to die, as they are not able to adapt quickly enough to their surroundings. To help better understand adaptive evolution, Dr. Prada has been studying genome-wide neutral genetic variation. Genome-wide neutral genetic variation is a form of variation which is unaffected by natural selection.

50% of the work conducted in Dr. Prada's lab has to do with genetics, DNA extraction, PCR, making genomic libraries, and gene expression. The other 50% of work in this lab includes:

• Taking organisms from one area and putting them in another to look for survival, changes in organisms, etc.

• Water testing for biodiversity

• Measuring growth rate, respiration rate (oxygen sensors), photosynthesis

• Maintaining an aquarium system, manipulate temperature and other variables

  • Measuring growth rate, respiration rate (oxygen sensors), photosynthesis of organisms added to aquatic system

• Occasional bacterial work on microbes

• Computer work for sorting data and findings

Previous research experience is not asked of undergraduates, however, Dr. Prada asks that students interested in his lab provide some background information, such as relevant coursework, gpa, experience, etc. It is also appreciated if students that are interested spend some time looking into his website or his research. Students who want to be in lab longer are preferred , such as a 1 year project.

Students interested in Dr. Prada's research are encouraged to contact him at prada@uri.edu