Rosanna M. Tursi A.
rtursi@knights.ucf.edu

Education
M.S. in Biology (Fall 2007 – Present) University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (Advisor: Eric A. Hoffman)
B.S. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Biotechnology (2006) Summa Cum Laude, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, FL
Minor in Business Administration (2006), Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Field of Study
Evolutionary Biology and Conservation Genetics

Current Research
My current primary interest is in the use of phylogenetics and population genetics as tools for the conservation and management of endangered species.Habitat loss and fragmentation can render a species vulnerable to genetic deterioration, mainly due to smaller population sizes and dispersal barriers. Because the ability of a species to adapt to new conditions resides in the variety of genetic information present in natural populations, the loss of genetic diversity can have long-term repercussions by affecting the evolutionary potential of the species. Thus, evaluation the genetic diversity present on the remaining populations of endangered species is vital to improve their chances of survival over the long term.

On this respect, my thesis focuses on the clarification of the species status and on the population genetic structure of the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri.This subspecies is endemic to the Lower Keys on Florida and, due to recent development pressures that have fragmented its native habitat into isolated patches, was declared federally endangered in 1990.

Because it is a naturally dispersing species that is now confined to small patches, S. p. hefneri represents a unique opportunity to study the effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity. Additionally, having a closely related but non-endangered mainland subspecies available for study (S. p. palustris and S. p. paludicola ) provides valuable information on how genetic diversity can be affected in species restricted to insular environments.

Pictures

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri
This field allows me to have a nice combination of field and lab work	Thanks to all of those who helped me in the field!