NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2012

2012 财年 NSF 生物学博士后奖学金

• 批准号: 1202719
• 负责人: Robin Hopkins
• 金额: $ 12.3万
• 依托单位: Hopkins Robin
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Fellowship Award
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-06-01 至 2013-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1202719&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: NSF; Postdoctoral; Fellowship; Biology; FY

Mathematical models for reinforcement of assortative matingMathematical models are used to gain insight into complex evolutionary processes and to quantify evolutionary forces. This study proposes two projects that use mathematical models in both of these ways to investigate the role of natural selection in speciation. Specifically, this work investigates the process of reinforcement in which selection favors the evolution of reproductive isolation that decreases costly hybridization. The first proposed project would create analytic models to determine the conditions under which selection against hybrids can cause reinforcement of assortative mating. The second proposed project will combine mathematical models with empirical observations to estimate the strength of selection, the rate of hybridization, and migration affecting reinforcement in the Texas wildflower, Phlox drummondii. A spatially-explicit simulation model will be developed based on the geography and genetics of natural P. drummondii populations. This model will be fit to empirical data to give the first estimates of evolutionary parameters involved in reinforcement. The proposed projects will train the postdoctoral fellow in diverse mathematical, simulation, and statistical methods such as learning to create and solve dynamic systems, methods of approximation, and likelihood methods. This fellowship work includes creating a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) club at a local Austin middle school, which serves a diverse student body. The major goal of the STEM club will be to guide students through the design and execution of their own research projects.

加强竞争性交配的数学模型数学模型用于深入了解复杂的进化过程和量化进化力量。 这项研究提出了两个项目，使用数学模型在这两种方式来调查自然选择在物种形成中的作用。 具体来说，这项工作调查的过程中，选择有利于生殖隔离的进化，减少昂贵的杂交强化。 第一个拟议的项目将建立分析模型，以确定在何种条件下，对杂交选择可以导致强化的竞争性交配。 第二个拟议的项目将结合联合收割机数学模型与经验观察，以估计强度的选择，杂交率，并迁移影响强化在得克萨斯州的野花，福禄考。 将根据自然P.drummondii种群的地理和遗传学建立一个空间上明确的模拟模型。 该模型将适合于经验数据，以给出强化所涉及的进化参数的第一估计。拟议的项目将培养博士后研究员在不同的数学，模拟和统计方法，如学习创建和解决动态系统，近似方法和似然方法。 这项奖学金工作包括在奥斯汀当地的一所中学创建一个科学、技术、工程和数学（STEM）俱乐部，为多样化的学生提供服务。STEM俱乐部的主要目标是指导学生设计和执行自己的研究项目。