Laboratory for Molecular Systematics & Ecology
The Laboratory for Molecular Systematics & Ecology (LMSE) is a shared, multi-user facility designed to enhance biodiversity research and training by supporting the use of all types of molecular data by scientists and students at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.
LMSE was instituted in 2004 as a shared, multi-user facility for the Academy’s scientific staff to enhance their research with the application of molecular biological data. Modern molecular research tends to focus upon nucleic acid sequences (e.g., DNA), and these kinds of data have useful properties that, when combined with the expertise for biological research of the Academy scientific staff, provide powerful tools to address problems from such diverse endeavors as evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology and resource management.
In addition to providing bench-space and maintaining equipment, LMSE makes molecular biology tools available to Academy researchers through a Small Grants program that provides seed money and technical support for generating preliminary results to enhance external grant proposals, to explore experimental protocols and for studies leading to scholarly publication. In addition, the LMSE also supports competitive, two-year post-doctoral fellowships and further contributes to training by participating in the Academy’s NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates program.
The LMSE is staffed with a full-time laboratory manager (Anthony Geneva) and part-time technicians. It is currently directed by one of the curatorial/research staff of the Center for Systematic Biology & Evolution (Dr. Daniel Graf). This infrastructure of personnel, equipment, training and funding broadens the impact of the scientific research that goes on at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
The Academy is positioned to lead in the fields of systematic biology and ecology, and the LMSE will be crucial as we move forward. Basic taxonomic and ecological research is more important than ever. In many cases, we simply lack the data to make informed decisions about biodiversity issues like conservation and resource management. The research applications of molecular data are integral to all aspects of our research, and the LMSE provides opportunities and support for Academy scientists, our collaborators and students. Expanding the Laboratory serves our Mission and will extend the leadership of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia into the 21st century.