Dr. Jason Strickland's Research

 
·      Adaptive evolution
·      Genotype-phenotype mapping
·      Venom evolution
·      Genetics
·      Herpetology
 
My research group is interested in understanding how changes in the genome modify the phenotype and ultimately affect fitness. We use a combination of fieldwork, lab work, and computation to identify changes in gene sequence and regulation to understand how selection shapes trait evolution. We use venom as our model system because of the near 1-to-1 match from gene to toxin, high intra- and inter-specific variation, and ecological importance in feeding and defense. Using genomic sequencing technologies and approaches, it is possible to examine the functionality of phenotypes down to single mutations in the genome. We take these data and place them in a meaningful ecological and evolutionary framework by accounting for variability within species across the landscape and controlling for shared evolutionary history to understand how biodiversity is generated through adaptation. To accomplish our research goals, we draw from many fields including biogeography, bioinformatics, ecological modeling, molecular genetics, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and population genetics.

For a full listing, visit Jason's google scholar page. 

Intra-tick and intra-host infection dynamics of a tick-borne bunyavirus. National Institutes of Health. Funded through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases entitled “Promoting Bunyavirales Basic Science Research.” Dr. Meghan Hermance is the PI.

A Ticking Time Bomb: Testing how viral infection modifies salivary gland gene expression in an invasive tick during feeding. University of South Alabama Research and Scholarly Development Grant. Jason Strickland is the PI and Meghan Hermance is the CoPI.

Venomous archipelagos: Integrating adaptability and island biogeography theory to assess persistence in the Anthropocene. National Geographic Research and Exploration Grant with Dr. Mark Margres (University of South Florida).