THE ECOLOGY OF MICROBIAL EVOLUTION

Extracellular DNA Dynamics

Rates of Horizontal Gene Transfer

Fitness Effects of Natural Transformation




Our recent work on rapid adaptation in multi-species communities of haloarchaea has been funded. Check out the video proposal to learn more!



​Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a scientist? Follow along as I take you through a week of work. Tag along for the galamorous and not-so-glamarous aspects of running a NASA-funded research project!
Heather A. Kittredge
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Connecticut
I am generally interested in the assembly and persistence of microbial communities in the environment. I use a number of approaches to better understand microbial responses to environmental change with a focus on rapid evolution via horizontal gene transfer. Most of my dissertation work focused on one mechanism of horizontal gene transfer called natural transformation, which involves the genomic integration of extracellular DNA (eDNA) straight from the environment. I have specifically focused on the ecological factors that promote the release of extracellular DNA, the rates of eDNA uptake in heterogeneous environments, as well as more fundamental questions about the maintenance of transferred genes and their effect on host fitness. 

In my postdoc, I will focus on the benefits of horizontal gene transfer using the model archaeon Haloferax volcanii. This awesome archaeon carries out a unique form of horizontal gene transfer called mating, which facilitates the exchange of large gene cassettes. My work on the project focuses on the benefits of mating during colonization of a novel environment -- Mars! Check out my YouTube Vlog above to learn more about the project!
Google Scholar
Dr. Sarah Evans (PhD advisor)
Dr. Mark Urban (Postdoc advisor)
To learn more about my reaserch you can also check out my dissertation defense at Michigan State University.
Picture