Sarah J. Christianson

Advisor: Dr. Gerald Wilkinson

Previous Education:
B.S. Biology Cornell University

Research Interests:
I am studying the genetics of speciation using stalk-eyed flies of the genus Cyrtodiopsis. I am testing the hypothesis that evolutionary change in sex chromosome meiotic drive (a selfish genetic system that causes degeneration of Y-bearing sperm in male stalk-eyed flies) can contribute to the evolution of male-specific hybrid sterility (Haldane’s Rule).

Publications:
Swallow, J. G., L. E. Wallace, S. J. Christianson, P. M. Johns, and G. S. Wilkinson. 2005. Genetic divergence does not predict change in ornament expression among populations of stalk-eyed flies. Molecular Ecology 14(12):3787-3800.

Christianson, S. J., J. G. Swallow, and G. S. Wilkinson. 2005. Rapid evolution of postzygotic reproductive isolation in stalk-eyed flies. Evolution 59(4):849-857.

Wilkinson, G. S., J. G. Swallow, and S. J. Christensen (sic). 2003. Phylogeography of sex ratio and multiple mating in stalk-eyed flies from Southeast Asia. Genetica 117(1):37-46.

Awards:
2006 University of Maryland Dean’s Dissertation Fellowship
2005 Jacob K. Goldhaber Travel Grant
2004-2005, 1999-2000 University of Maryland Graduate Fellowship
2002-2004, 2000-2001 National Science Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship
2001-2002 National Science Foundation Research Training Grant Fellowship
2001 College of Life Sciences Travel Award