Angela Poole
Department/Discipline:
Dept. of Zoology: Marine Ecology
Degree Sought:
Ph.D. in Zoology
Research Adviser:
Dr. Virginia Weis, Dept. of Zoology
Research Topic:
Characterization and evolution of molecules involved in cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis
Angela Poole's thesis research focuses on the characterization of molecules involved in the onset of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis in the anemone Aiptasia pallida, using two different approaches. Poole is primarily intersted in the complement system, an innate immune pathway, and whether it plays a role in the establishment of symbiosis. Her second approach involves the characterization of proteins present on the surface of dinoflagellates during the onset of symbiosis. Overall, this research will contribute to the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanims that underlie the establishment of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis.