Catherine L. Malone

       

 Purdue University
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources  
1159 Forestry Building 
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1159
(765) 496-3749

catherine@fnr.purdue.edu
EDUCATION:

Ph. D. Texas A&M University. August 2000
B.A. University of California, Santa Cruz. December 1994
A.A. Santa Monica College. December 1992
PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH INTERESTS:  
      My research interests involve applying genetic data to problems associated with the conservation of biodiversity and evolutionary processes. At a broad level, I am interested in using genetic data to generate robust phylogenies. A phylogenetic framework is integral to understanding the evolutionary and biogeographic history of a group, identifying distinct lineages, and prioritizing conservation efforts. At the species level, I am interested in using genetic data to study population dynamics and natural history. The synthesis of genetic and ecological information at this level greatly enhances our understanding of the processes responsible for existing patterns of genetic variation within a species. Such information should be fundamental in designing any conservation management plan. In addition to these scientific endeavors, I am interested in incorporating scientific information into conservation education and community outreach efforts and policy design
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
» 01/01 to present: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University; West Lafayette, IN
phylogenetic systematics and conservation genetics of American pronghorn antelope
» 11/96 to present  Field Research Assistant
Dominican Repulic, St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Lucia, Montserrat
experience in radio tracking, field surveys (population estimation and habitat usage), 
pit-tagging, beading, blood sampling, and morphological data collection
» 9/97 to 12/00: Graduate Research Assistant
Faculty of Genetics, Dept. of Animal Science; Texas A&M University; College Station, TX
systematics, population genetics, and biogeography of endangered Caribbean iguanas
» 3/95 to 7/96: Research Technician
Conservation Genetics Lab, Hopkins Marine Station; Monterey, CA
data collection for population genetic analysis of chinook salmon
» 1/95 to 9/95: Scientific Aide
California Department of Fish and Game (Americorps); Monterey, CA
Salmonid Habitat Restoration Project: habitat typing, electrofishing, report preparation and writing
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
- IUCN Iguana Specialist Group
- Society for the Study of Evolution
- Graduate Women in Science and Engineering
PUBLICATIONS:
  • Malone, C.L. (2000). Phylogenetics, biogeography, and conservation of Caribbean iguanas (Cyclura and Iguana). PhD. Dissertation. Texas A&M University
  • Malone C.L., Wheeler T.C., Davis S.K., and Taylor J.F. (2000). Biogeography and Systematics of the Caribbean rock iguana (Cyclura): implications for conservation and insights into the biogeographic history of the West Indies. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 17:269-279
  • Malone C. L. and Davis S.K. (2002). Genetic Contributions to the Conservation of Caribbean Iguanas. In: Evolution, Behavioral Ecology, and Conservation of Iguanas. (Allison Alberts and Emilia Martens, Eds.) University of California Press.
  • Malone C.L., Knapp C., Taylor J.F, and Davis S.K. (in press) Conservation genetics of the Bahaman iguana, Cyclura cychlura. Conservation Genetics.
  • Knapp C. and Malone C.L.(in press) Patterns Of Reproductive Success Determined by Microsatellite Analysis in a Translocated Cyclura Iguana Population. J. of Herpetology
  In Prep:
  • Malone C.L., Hasbun C.R., Guerra T., Ingram C., and Taylor, J.F. Davis S.K. Geographic structuring and unique lineages within the wide ranging species, Iguana iguana. Molecular Ecology.
  • Malone, C.L, J.C. Devos, Jr., J.R. Heffelfinger, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. (in prep) Genetic Distinction of the Sonoran Pronghorn Antelope. Proceedings of the 20th Annual Pronghorn Workshop. NBFWS
  • Malone, C.L. (in prep). Microsatellite Loci for Neotropical Tent Bats (Uroderma). Primer Notes
  • Malone, C.L., J.C. Devos, Jr., J.R. Heffelfinger, J. Bickham, T. Lee, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. (in prep). Distribution of genetic variation in Pronghorn Antelope.
RESEARCH GRANTS:
International Iguana Federation, Education Program Grant 2002 $1500
Miami Metro Zoo, Conservation Grant  2001 $1200
Columbia Zoo, Conservation Grant 2001

$400

Sigma XI, Grant-in-Aid of Research 1999 $850
L.T. Jordan Foundation, International Awareness Fellowship 1998 $2500
American Museum of Natural History, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Grant 1998 $500
PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH INTERESTS:  
     I believe the most important goal of education at the university level is the development of critical thinking skills.  Learning how to learn is perhaps the most profound of all student achievements. A good teacher does far more than dispense knowledge — a good teacher inspires curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. I believe the most effective teaching is dynamic and enthusiastic, and that is the way I approach it.  Students are stimulated by instructors that challenge them intellectually and that are clearly excited about the topic, and this leads to more effective learning. I have found that students stay interested when they participate in the classroom, and studies have shown that active learning is much more effective than passive learning. Additionally, I have found that newly taught concepts are most easily 'owned' by the student when lecture is followed immediately by dynamic exercises which reinforce the concepts. Lastly, as a student, I have enjoyed field experiences in a number of diverse settings in the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean, and for various purposes, such as coastal ecology, tropical biology, limnology, and conservation education and outreach. As an instructor, I intend to incorporate field trips into appropriate classes because I have found that they truly enhance the learning process.   
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
» 1/02 to 4/02 Phylogenetic Analysis, Course Instructor
Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
developed graduate level short course in analysis of DNA sequence data
» 1/02 to 8/02 Conservation of St. Lucian Iguanas, Outreach and Education Coordinator
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, St. Lucia
developed and implemented community education and outreach program for an endangered iguana population
» 11/00-11/01 Guest Lecturer
Dept. of Biology/Biochemistry, Texas A&M University,  Population Genetics
gave multiple lectures for undergraduate course -Instructor: Dr. Spencer Johnston
» 8/96 to 8/97: Undergraduate Genetics, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Dept. of Biochemistry/Biophysics, Texas A&M University
responsible for preparing weekly lectures, quizzes and administering undergraduate genetics lab
OTHER EXPERIENCE:
» 11/00 Conservation of Bahamian Terrestrial Vertebrates - Participant
Bahamas Dept. of Agriculture and IUCN/SSC; San Salvador, The Bahamas
international collaboration to design a management strategy for terrestrial vertebrates in the Bahamas
» 5/00 Grant Writing Workshop - Organizer
Genetics Graduate Student Association, Texas A&M University
organizer of workshop for graduate students on locating and writing grants and fellowhships
» 8/94 to 6/96: Assistant Editor
Invertebrate Biology, University of California; Santa Cruz, CA
computer support, manuscript formatting, copyediting, correspondence, tracking of documents
» 7/94 to 7/96: Naturalist, Volunteer
Rancho Del Oso Nature Preserve; Big Basin, CA
led weekly public interpretive walks through coastal shrub, riparian, and pine forest habitats, computer support
» 10/94 to 3/96: Wetland Restoration, Volunteer
Wilder Ranch State Park; Santa Cruz, CA
wetland restoration; provided labor, computer support, and coordinated other volunteers
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS:
  • “Distribution of Genetic Variation in American Pronghorn.”
    American Society of MammologistJune, (2002) (platform)
  • “American Pronghorn: gleaning historical phylogeographic information from populations with extensive translocation histories”
    Society for the Study of Evolution; Champaign, IL June, 2002 (poster)
  • “Genetic distinction of Sonoran Pronghorn Antelope” 20th Annual Pronghorn Workshop; Kearney, NB March 2002(platform)
  • “Evolution of the Iguanines“ Paleontological Meeting; Berkeley, CA     July 2001 (poster)
  • “Geographic structuring and unique lineages within the wide ranging species, Iguana iguana..” ASIH; State College, PA     August 2001   (poster)
  • “On the Validity of Subspecific Designations within Cyclura nubila and Cyclura cychlura” West Indian Iguana Specialist Group; Boqueron, PR October 1999   (platform)
  • “Conservation Genetics of the Caribbean Rock Iguana, Cyclura cychlura” Society for the Study of Evolution; Madison, WI     June 1999 (platform)
  • “Phylogenetics and Conservation of Cyclura: implications for prioritization” West Indian Iguana Specialist Group; White Oak, FL    October 1998 (platform)
  • “Molecular Systematics and Biogeography of Caribbean Rock Iguanas ” Society for the Study of Evolution; Boulder, CO     June 1997 (platform)
FIELD STUDIES:
- Sep-Nov 1998: Internship - Proyecto Biodiversidad (UNEP-ONAPLAN), Dominican Republic
- Feb-May 1994: Tropical Ecology Field Program, Costa Rica; University of California
- Jun-Aug 1991: Lake Ecology Field Program, Flathead Lake Biological Station, U. of Montana
GRADUATE COURSEWORK:
Genetics Molecular Evolution Herpetology
Population Genetics Cytogenetics Statistical Analysis
Quantitative Genetics Phylogenetic Analysis Statistical Methods in Ecology
Conservation Genetics Systematics Environmental Law and Policy
Molecular Genetics Biogeography Ecological Economics