Kimberly S. Reece

Education

B.S.  University of Rochester
Ph.D.  Cornell University

About

Molecular/genetic analysis of aquaculture species, harmful algal bloom species (HABs) and marine disease pathogens.

Shellfish Genetics:  The goal of these projects is to develop and utilize molecular genetic markers for aquacultured species including the hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria and M. campechiensis, and the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Molecular markers are used for population genetic analyses, genetic tracking restoration efforts and examination of genetic interactions between hatchery stocks and wild populations. In addition, these markers are used to develop genetic maps and can provide information to facilitate breeding programs when markers are found linked to traits of interest such as disease resistance or resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Phylogenetic analysis of protozoan parasites: I have done extensive molecular phylogenies of protozoan parasites particularly focused on Perkinsus species and members of the phylum Haplosporidia, which are found around the world. Many of these parasites are harmful pathogens of commercially important molluscs.

Molecular diagnostics targeting harmful algal bloom (HAB) organisms and marine pathogens: Molecular assays are used to detect HAB and pathogen species in finfish, shellfish and environmental water and sediment samples. Some of the targeted pathogens include the oyster herpes-like virus (OsHV-1 and OsUV-1 mvars), Hematodinium perezi, which infects blue crabs, vibrio species that are pathogenic to humans and shellfish, as well as other oyster pathogens including several Perkinsus species. These assays support monitoring programs and ecological studies that advance our understanding of disease dynamics including transmission.

Toxicity studies of HAB species:  These studies examine toxic effects of HAB species found in Chesapeake Bay including Alexandrium monilatum, Karlodinium veneficum and Margalefidinium polykrikoides, on aquatic organisms through laboratory and field experiments.