Globally there has been a steady decline in biodiversity resulting from multiple factors. Some estimates suggest that upward of one million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. The family Orchidaceae (orchids) is one of the largest families of flowering plants which are threatened by climate change, agricultural expansion, urbanization, over harvesting and other factors necessitating the implementation of conservation strategies. To implement an effective conservation approach, one must be able to unambiguously identify the species at the center of the effort. For many species of orchid this is difficult to achieve based on morphological features, necessitating alternative approaches. DNA barcoding is a molecular method for identification of individuals, ideally, to the species level. The current project involves the analysis of DNA sequences from the mat K gene from species of two Mesoamerican genra of orchids (Masdevallia and Dracula) to assess the utility of the mat K gene sequence as a DNA barcode to identify orchid species from these two threatened genra. 

The student should be able to work with DNA sequence files (edit, align, and construct phylogenic trees) within the context of a sequence analysis program such as CLC Genomics Workbench, or Geneious.

I will provide direct mentorship (in person and/or virtual) to the student. This will include an initial meeting to set the direction and expectations for the work, ongoing (as required) check-ins to evaluate progress and discuss troubleshooting (if necessary) and a concluding meeting to summarize the work completed. Access to the DNA sequence files as well as a subscription to access Geneious will be provided.