Thom Nelson Awarded NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant
Congratulations to Thom Nelson on receiving a prestigious NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant!
This competitive award will support Thom’s innovative research using genome-wide coalescent analyses to identify adaptation through standing genetic variation in threespine stickleback populations. This funding recognizes the exceptional quality and innovation of his dissertation research.
Research Focus
The DDIG supports: - Genome-wide coalescent analyses - Standing genetic variation detection - Adaptation mechanisms - Population history reconstruction - Selection identification methods
Project Innovation
Thom’s approach features: - Novel analytical methods - Computational genomics - Theoretical framework - Big data approaches - Statistical innovations
Standing Variation Importance
This research addresses: - Rapid adaptation sources - Pre-existing alleles - Selection on variation - Evolutionary potential - Predictability of evolution
Methodological Development
The grant enables: - New software development - Pipeline creation - Method validation - Tool distribution - Community resources
Stickleback System
Using stickleback to study: - Parallel evolution - Marine-freshwater transitions - Repeated adaptation - Genomic architecture - Natural selection
Computational Approaches
The project employs: - Coalescent theory - Population genetics models - Machine learning - High-performance computing - Statistical inference
Training Opportunities
The DDIG provides: - Research independence - Grant management experience - Project leadership - Publication opportunities - Career development
Expected Outcomes
Anticipated results include: - Method publications - Software releases - Biological discoveries - Conference presentations - Dissertation completion
Broader Impacts
This work will: - Advance evolutionary theory - Provide analytical tools - Train next generation - Enable other studies - Inform conservation
Lab Excellence
This award reflects: - Strong mentorship - Research environment - Collaborative culture - Technical resources - Training quality
Career Development
The DDIG supports: - Professional growth - Network building - Skill development - Academic preparation - Research visibility
Recognition Pattern
Continues lab success with: - Multiple DDIG awards - Strong funding record - Student achievements - Research excellence - National recognition
Excellent work, Thom! This award recognizes your innovative approach to understanding evolutionary adaptation.