Teaching
Current Courses
BI 380: Evolution
Term: Fall
Level: Upper-division undergraduate
Description: This course explores the mechanisms of evolutionary change, from molecular evolution to macroevolution. Topics include natural selection, genetic drift, phylogenetics, speciation, and the evolution of complex traits.
Learning Objectives: - Understand the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology - Apply population genetics theory to real-world examples - Analyze phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns - Evaluate evidence for evolutionary processes
BI 410/510: Genomics and Bioinformatics
Term: Winter
Level: Upper-division undergraduate / Graduate
Description: An introduction to genomic technologies and computational approaches for analyzing large-scale biological data. Students gain hands-on experience with genomic data analysis using R and command-line tools.
Topics Covered: - Next-generation sequencing technologies - Genome assembly and annotation - RNA-seq analysis - Population genomics - GWAS and QTL mapping
Prerequisites: BI 282 (Genetics) or equivalent
BI 607: Advanced Topics in Evolutionary Genomics
Term: Spring (alternate years)
Level: Graduate seminar
Description: In-depth exploration of current topics in evolutionary genomics through discussion of primary literature and student-led presentations.
Past Courses
- BI 283: Introduction to Molecular Biology
- BI 471/571: Population Genetics
- BI 399: Special Studies in Genomics
- BI 610: Journal Club in Evolution and Ecology
Educational Resources
Tutorials and Workshops
RAD-seq Workshop
Annual workshop on RAD-seq library preparation and data analysis using Stacks. - Workshop Materials - Video Tutorials
Bioinformatics Bootcamp
Intensive one-week introduction to command-line tools and genomic data analysis. - Offered each summer - Open to UO students and external participants - Registration Information
Online Resources
Stacks Tutorials
Comprehensive tutorials for population genomics analysis: - Getting Started with Stacks - RAD-seq Data Processing - Population Structure Analysis
Lecture Materials
Selected lecture slides and materials (password protected for enrolled students): - Evolution Lecture Slides - Genomics Lab Protocols
Mentoring Philosophy
Our lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all trainees. We believe in:
- Active mentoring: Regular one-on-one meetings and goal setting
- Professional development: Support for conference attendance, workshops, and career planning
- Collaborative learning: Peer mentoring and lab group discussions
- Work-life balance: Flexible schedules and respect for personal time
- Diversity and inclusion: Welcoming all backgrounds and perspectives
Student Achievements
Awards and Honors
- 2024: Vithika Goyal - Hui Fellowship
- 2024: Walker Meyer - Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholar
- 2023: [Student Name] - NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- 2023: [Student Name] - Best Student Presentation, Evolution Conference
Student Publications
Many lab members have been lead authors on publications: - See our Publications page for papers with student first authors
Training Opportunities
Graduate Program
The University of Oregon offers excellent graduate training in: - Biology Graduate Program - Bioinformatics and Genomics Training Program - Data Science Initiative
Undergraduate Research
We regularly host undergraduate researchers through: - CURE Programs: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences - Summer REU: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates - Honors Thesis Projects: Year-long independent research projects - Work-Study Positions: Part-time research assistant positions
Postdoctoral Training
Postdocs in our lab receive training in: - Grant writing and funding strategies - Teaching and mentoring - Project management - Career development for academia and industry
Outreach and K-12 Education
Science Outreach Programs
- Oregon Science Olympiad: Volunteer judges and workshop leaders
- SPICE Program: Summer Program to Inspire Creativity in Engineering
- Darwin Day: Annual public lecture series on evolution
School Visits
Lab members regularly visit local schools to: - Present hands-on science activities - Discuss careers in science - Mentor high school science fair projects
Resources for Students
Getting Started in Research
Career Development
Contact
For questions about courses or training opportunities:
Dr. William Cresko
📧 wcresko@uoregon.edu
📍 Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-3 PM (312 Pacific Hall)