From left to right: Lynne, Brooke, Melanie, Chris, and Jesse.
Brunner Lab
248 Illick Hall
Department of Ecology and Forest Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York, 13210
Email: jbrunner@esf.edu
Phone: 315 470 4937 Fax: 315 470 6937
Office hours for fall 2009: Mondays 3:15-4:15 and Tuesdays 12:00-1:00, and by appointment.
Research Interests:
My lab group studies the evolutionary ecology of zoonotic and wildlife disease. From disease in conservation to the evolution of parasite virulence, we try to focus on questions with a theoretical basis and an applied focus. I am particulary interested in factors that influence disease transmission such as host community composition, environmental conditions, and host behaviors. Most of our research involves ranaviral disease and, to a lesser extent, chytridiomycosis in amphibians, as well as tick-borne disease in small mammal communities. You can learn more about current and past research here.
Seen an amphibian die-off and want to send samples? Please see my sample submission guidlines first. Thanks!
Teaching:
Principles of Evolution, EFB 311, 3 credits. A thorough survey of the concepts and principles of evolution, as well as a basic history of the early evolution of cellular life on earth and the evolution of hominids. Spring semesters, MWF 8:25 to 9:20.
Emerging Diseases of Fish and Wildlife, EFB 796, 3 credits, with Dr. Chris Whipps. Using a variety of lectures, hands-on labs, and group exercises we will learn about the diversity, ecology, and management of infectious disease in fish & wildlife. Key topics include parasite diversity, emerging infectious diseases, pathology & diagnosis, analyzing epidemiological data, understanding epidemic dynamics, and management strategies for conservation and health. Fall semesters, Tu&Th 9:30-10:20 and Wed 9-12 (lab).
Tools of the Ecological Detective, EFB 796, 3 credit, with Dr. Jacqueline Frair. Equal parts scientific philosophy, ecological modeling, and pragmatic programming, the goals of this class are to 1) think about how we know anything in ecology and 2) learn how to confront ecological models with data. Students lead a class or topic (in consultation with us), which is a great way to learn, and get abundant hands-on experience working with real data in weekly labs using R. Fall semesters of odd years, Tu&Th 11-12 and Tu 1-3 (lab).
Last updated: October 2009