Eckert Lab

New paper at New Phytologist (01/23/2012)

2012-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

We have a new paper out at New Phytologist. It is posted in the Online Early section and can be accessed here. Data for this paper can be accessed here. The premise of the study was to associate variation at 3,563 SNPs to variation at 292 primary metabolites for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). In brief, 28 single locus associations were detected, representing 24 and 20 unique SNPs and metabolites, respectively. Multilocus Bayesian mixed linear models identified 2,998 additional associations for a total of 1,617 unique SNPs associated to 255 metabolites. These SNPs explained sizeable fractions of metabolite heritabilities when considered jointly (56.6% on average).

Graduate student needed (10/29/2011)

2011-10-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

The laboratories of Andrew Eckert and Chris Gough, located in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University, are recruiting an M.S. level graduate student for a research project examining the genetic basis of photosynthesis and growth related traits in loblolly pine. Our preference is for a student who would ideally begin during the summer of 2012. Work would involve phenotyping hundreds of loblolly pines established in a common garden and carrying out statistical tests for associations between genetic markers and these traits. This interdisciplinary project would be a nice introduction to tree physiology, quantitative and population genetics and association mapping of complex phenotypes. More information about the types of research conducted by the Eckert or Gough labs can be found at http://ajeckert.blogspot.com/ and http://www.people.vcu.edu/~cmgough/. To apply please send the following to Dr. Andrew Eckert (aeckert2@vcu.edu) by December 1st, 2011:

(1) A curriculum vitae

(2) A brief description of your academic and scientific goals

(3) Contact information for at least three references

Please visit the following webpage for information about requirements for the M.S. program at VCU: http://www.has.vcu.edu/bio/graduate/ms_admissions.html, which has an application deadline of January 15th, 2012.

The Eckert Lab Nears Completion (10/27/2011)

2011-10-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful workspace!

The Eckert lab is nearing completion and should be fully functional by the end of the year. It is equipped for basic molecular biology work with nucleic acids and also includes several powerful computing stations (iMACs).

Now, I just need to fill it with students and post-docs. Please inquire if you have an interest in joining my lab (aeckert2@vcu.edu).