Ramses Alejandro Rosales Garcia will graduate this week with his Ph.D. in biological sciences. We asked Ramses to reflect on his time here at Clemson in the Parkinson lab through a short Q & A.
Research?
I studied venom evolution, focusing on how gene duplication helps to develop new phenotypes. I focused on the PLA2 toxin family in pitviper venom, as a strong neurotoxin encoded by two PLA2 genes shared among several pitviper species in the Americas and one species in Asia. I used a phylogenomic approach to study how the genes underlying this toxin arose and how the current pitvipers’ venom types evolved through the loss of these genes. We also found evidence of a second origin of one of the genes in the lineage of the horned Mexican pitvipers.
What’s next?
I will be taking a postdoctoral position in the lab of Marjorie Matocq at the University of Nevada, Reno. I will research how gene duplications enable woodrats to resist specific plant toxins in their diet and how this varies across populations.
What will you miss the most?
The people.
Advice for students?
Look for support in others, either for help on your program or to keep your mind healthy, it will help you to succeed.
