Kristin Alligood Successfully Defends PhD Dissertation
Congratulations to Dr. Kristin Alligood on successfully defending her PhD dissertation!
After years of dedicated research on craniofacial evolution in threespine stickleback, Kristin has completed this major milestone. Her innovative work on the genetic basis of morphological evolution has advanced our understanding of adaptive radiation.
Dissertation Research
Kristin’s PhD work focused on: - Craniofacial bone shape evolution - Genetic mapping of morphological traits - Threespine stickleback populations - Adaptive divergence mechanisms - Quantitative trait loci analysis
Research Achievements
During her PhD, Kristin: - Received NSF DDIG funding (2014) - Won best graduate student poster at EVO-WIBO (2016) - Published in peer-reviewed journals - Presented at national conferences - Mentored undergraduate researchers
NSF DDIG Support
Her research was supported by: - Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant - NSF funding for genomic analyses - Travel grants for fieldwork - Conference presentation support - Collaborative research opportunities
Scientific Contributions
Kristin’s work has revealed: - Genes underlying skull shape variation - Mechanisms of rapid adaptation - Evolutionary developmental pathways - Population-specific adaptations - Genotype-phenotype relationships
Mentorship and Teaching
Throughout her PhD, Kristin: - Mentored undergraduate researchers - Taught laboratory sections - Led journal clubs - Organized lab meetings - Contributed to grant writing
Technical Expertise Developed
Kristin mastered: - Geometric morphometrics - QTL mapping techniques - Population genomics - Bioinformatics pipelines - Statistical genetics
Collaborative Spirit
Her success reflects: - Strong collaborative relationships - Interdisciplinary approaches - Team science contributions - Effective communication skills - Leadership in research projects
Future Directions
As Dr. Alligood moves forward: - Postdoctoral opportunities await - Continued publication of PhD work - New research directions - Career development in academia - Ongoing collaborations with the lab
Legacy in the Lab
Kristin leaves behind: - Well-documented protocols - Trained junior researchers - Ongoing research projects - Strong collaborative ties - Inspiration for future students
Congratulations again, Dr. Alligood! We wish you continued success in your scientific career!