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Genetics Laboratory |
Jesús
E. Maldonado, Ph.D.
Research Geneticist
My broad interests
lie in the evolutionary biology and population genetics of mammals;
specifically using genetic techniques in conservation biology. I am interested
in learning about the genetic basis of adaptation, and the importance of these
adaptations to the process of speciation in mammals. I am working on research
projects dealing with such topics as conservation genetics, systematics,
evolution and genetic diversity of a variety of other mammals (i.e.
insectivores, canids, pinnipeds, bats and artiodactyls). I am currently
working on a project studying population sizes in the endangered San Joaquin
kit fox using DNA in feces (Link to project information).
Without estimates of population size, it is hard to evaluate the results
of management interventions or to model the probability of the long-term
viability (or health) of a population. I am also working on projects
dealing with different endangered species in Latin America. One such project
involves the study of the South American Pampas deer, which is one of the most
endangered species of deer in the world ( Link to Deer web page).
I am dedicated to helping
minority students succeed in their career objectives and continue to work
toward that end by serving as an advisor to the Columbia Heights Community
Science Workshop program (
Link to Science Workshop
). For the past
two years we have been working very closely with the Latin American Youth
Center to establish educational programs that allow minority kids to
participate and utilize the Smithsonian’Äôs resources in science education
programs. The Smithsonian is very interested in conducting outreach to our
local Latino community and with the recent development of a Science Workshop in
the Columbia Heights area we are beginning to achieve our goals. In
addition, my position here at the Genetics Program, allows me to interact with
undergraduate students working under my direct supervision. Students learn a
great deal about the field of molecular systematics and conservation genetics.
In addition to attaining laboratory experience in molecular techniques, they
learn how to design and write results on research projects as well. Our program
is designed to provide guidance to underrepresented students for the skills
necessary to pursue academic careers and postgraduate education
Education:
Ph.D. Department of Biology, University of California Los Angeles
M.S. Department of Biology, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Department of Biology, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Curriculum Vitae:
Selected Publications:
Ortega, J., J. E. Maldonado1, H. T. Arita3, G. S. Wilkinson2, and R. C. Fleischer1.2002. Characterization of microsatellite loci in the Jamaican Fruit-eating bat Artibeus jamaicensis and cross-species amplification. Molecular Ecology Notes 2, 462’Äì464 [PDF].
Gonzalez, S., F. Alvarez and J.E. Maldonado. 2002. Morphometric Differentiation of the
Endangered Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros
bezoarticus l. 1758). Journal of Mammalogy. 83, 4. 1127-1140. [PDF].
Maldonado, J. E., C. Vila., and R. K. Wayne. 2001. Tripartite genetic subdivisions in the ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus), Molecular Ecology, 10, 127-147 [PDF].
Smith, D., K. Ralls, B. Davenport, B. Adams, and J. E. Maldonado. 2001. Canine assistants for conservationists. Science, 291: 435.
Lacey, E. A., J. E Maldonado, J. P. Clabaugh, M.D. Matocq, 1999. Interspecific Variation In Microsatellites Isolated from Tuco-Tucos (Rodentia:Ctenomyidae). Molecular Ecology, 8, 1753-1768. [PDF].
Vila C., J.E. Maldonado, and R.K. Wayne. 1999. Phylogenetic relationships, evolution and genetic diversity of the domestic dog. Journal of Heredity, 90:71-77 [PDF].
Gonzalez S., J.E. Maldonado, J.A. Leonard, C. Vila, J.M. Barbanti Duarte, M. Merino, N. Brum-Zorrilla, and R.K. Wayne. 1998. Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Pampas deer. Molecular Ecology, 7:47-56.
Maldonado, J.E., M.C. Cotera, E. Geffen, and R.K. Wayne. 1997. Relationships of the Endangered Mexican Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis zinseri) Based on Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data. The Southwestern Naturalist, 42(4):460-470.
Vila C., P. Savolainen, J.E. Maldonado, I.R. Amorim, J.E. Rice, R.L. Honeycutt, K.A. Crandall, J.Lundeberg, and R.K. Wayne. 1997. Multiple and Ancient Origins of the Domestic Dog. Science, 276:1687-1689 [PDF].
Revision: October 2001
