About Dr. Ashley's Research

My research program involves using the genetic (DNA) variation found in nature to study ecological and evolutionary processes. The principle underlying my research is that genetic variation found in natural populations provides information for studying ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral processes that are difficult or impossible to observe using more traditional approaches. I am also especially interested in applying ecological genetics to issues in conservation biology and the management of threatened species, including genetic aspects of restorations and reintroductions. The major research efforts in my lab involve using hypervariable DNA markers to study gene flow, mating systems and population genetic structure of a variety of plant and animal species. Specifically, we use DNA microsatellite variation and DNA sequencing combined with extensive field studies of natural populations to understand such phenomenon. Finally, I have a growing interest in how organisms evolve and adapt to anthropogenic environmental changes.

I am also PI on an NSF IGERT doctoral training grant called LEAP (Landscape, Ecological and Anthropogenic Processes), a new multidisciplinary program at UIC focused on understanding ecological processes in human-altered landscapes.

Representative Publications

Feldheim KA, Gruber SH and Ashley MV (2002) Breeding biology of lemon sharks at a tropical nursery lagoon. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B 269:1655-1661.

Ashley MV, Willson MF, Pergams ORW, O'Dowd DJ and Gende SM (2003) Evolutionarily Enlightened Management. Biological Conservation 111:115-123.

Norton, JE and Ashley MV (2004) Genetic variability and population structure among wild Baird’s tapirs. Animal Conservation 7:211-220.

Jones KL, Krapu, GL, Brandt, DA and Ashley, MV (2005) Population genetic structure in migratory sandhill cranes and the role of Pleistocene glaciations. Molecular Ecology 14:2645-2657.

Craft, KJ and Ashley, MV 2006. Population differentiation among three species of white oak in northeastern Illinois. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 36:206-215.

Craft, K. J., J. Owens, and M. V. Ashley. 2007. Application of plant DNA markers in forensic botany: Genetic comparison of Quercus evidence leaves to trees at crime scene using microsatellites. Forensic Science International 165:64-70.