Dr. Shane K. Sarver, Director
Ph.D., Louisiana State University
M.S., Humboldt State University
B.S., Cal Poly State University
•The primary focus my research in recent years has been the application of genetics to species of conservation concern. This has included endangered species, candidate species for listing as endangered, and species impacted by hybridization and invasive species. Some examples of these species include the endangered Topeka shiner, American bison, American Dipper, smooth green snake and mountain goat.
• I also have an interest in the molecular genetics and evolution of the prion gene (PRNP). I am especially interested the application of an evolutionary paradigm to understanding the prion diseases (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies). I am particularly interested in the genetics of resistance to TSE and cross-species transmission of prions.
Dr. Cynthia K. Anderson, Associate Director
Ph.D., Montana State University
B.S., Montana State University
• My personal research interests lie in understanding how organisms respond to pathogens and their environment at a genetic level. I am currently developing a new research project to study the alteration of gene expression in species of members of the Brassicaceae that lead to pseudoflower production upon infection by the fungal rust pathogen, Puccinia monoica. However, as the Associate Director of the Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources, I oversee a variety of rather diverse research projects. Including two projects that are centered around understanding the affect of atmospheric particulate matter on human health: 1) we are seeking to understand the fungal composition of the near-tropospheric bioparticulate matter by assessing the biodiversity of airborne allergenic and human disease-causing fungi present in outdoor air, especially in rural mining, agricultural and forested regions; and 2) we are developing aquatic and terrestrial bioindicators for atmospherically derived mercury in order to better understand the role of atmospherically derived mercury on regional ecosystems. These bioindicators will aid in the detections of biologically active levels of mercury contamination in the soil and water of sensitive ecosystems. Other projects in which I am involved explore the biodiversity of microbial populations in understudied environments.
Forrest H. Cain, Researcher I
B.S., Black Hills State University
I have worked in the CCBR/WestCore lab for a total of eight years, three as a student, and five as an employee. I work on a wide range of projects including but not limited to DUSEL projects, wildlife forensics, undergraduate and graduate student training.
Carolyn S. Ferrell, Researcher II
M.S., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
B.S., University of Minnesota, St. Paul
• I have worked in the CCBR/WestCore lab for seven years and have participated in several projects including genetic analysis of the endangered Topeka shiner, American bison, American Dipper, smooth green snake and mountain goat. For the past five years, I have been conducting wildlife forensic testing for several state wildlife law enforcement agencies. Forensics work done in the lab is primarily species identification, microsatellite DNA matching, and preparation of legal reports on testing.
• I assist undergraduate and graduate students with research projects, molecular biological techniques, presentation and poster preparation for attending scientific meetings, and data analysis.
• I help to maintain the animal care facility and work with primary investigators to assure that the needs of the animals are being met. This includes interacting with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and working directly with the veterinarian to care for study animals.
• I am also closely involved with the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science as both a charter member and Society secretary. Recently I have become a member of SWGWILD, a Scientific Working Group dedicated to setting standards and guidelines for the practice of wildlife forensics in labs around the world. As part of this working group, I am on the Certification Body that will review qualifications of and administer testing to certification applicants.
Oxana Gorbatenko, Research Assistant
B.S., Zaporizhzhya State University
• I have worked in the CCBR/WestCore lab for three years, and have worked on several projects including knotweed identification, “Metagenomics DUSEL” and “Fungi and Silver” projects.
• In addition to my regular duties, I have established and maintain Freezerworks, the lab information management system used for cataloging and long-term storage of biological samples.