Edward Louis Braun
Associate Professor, Department of Biology
  -  Telephone 352.846.1124            -  Email: ebraun68@ufl.edu
  -  OFFICE: 514 Carr Hall
PO Box 118525
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-8525, USA

Research Interests


I am broadly interested in the evolution of genomes and organisms. Specific research interests include:

  • Comparative genomics and molecular evolution
  • Phylogenetics and systematics
  • Patterns of gene duplication and gene loss
  • Phylogenetic theory

My complete publiction list is available. Information about the Early Bird project to reconstruct avian evolution and the UF portion of the crocodilian genome project are available on web pages that I maintain. My current research emphasizes the use of computational and mathematical approaches to understand evolution at various levels ranging from genes to whole organisms.

Teaching and Mentoring


I am the undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Biology (effective fall 2011) and the focus of my teaching is genetics and genomics. Specific courses and topics of interest to undergraduates include:

  • Large undergraduate genetics courses:
    • The Genetics section of Introductory Biology (BSC2010).
    • Genetics (PCB3063).
  • Introduction to Genomics using Bacteriophages (Fall 2011)
    • A Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) supported course.
    • From Phages to Personized Medicine -- for majors and non-majors
  • Information for undergraduates interested in research.
  • FAQ for students who would like a letter of reference.

My graduate teaching has focused on phylogenetic comparative methods, phylogenomics, and molecular evolution. If you are interested in working with me for graduate school please read about the Braun-Kimball lab group and my research and mentoring philosophy.

Background


I recieved my Ph.D. in Biology from the University of New Mexico in 1997. Before I joined the University of Florida Zoology faculty in 2001 I worked at the Ohio State University and the National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR) in Santa Fe, NM.

  • Ph.D. reseach focused on the control of growth and proliferation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Margaret Werner-Washburne (UNM Biology) was my mentor.
  • Post-doctoral research on fungal genomics as part of the Neurospora genome project. I worked at the National Center for Genome Resources in Santa Fe, NM and the University of New Mexico with Donald Natvig (UNM Biology)
  • Post-doctoral research on the function and evolution of plant transcription factors. I worked with Erich Grotewold in the OSU Department of Plant Biology. While at  OSU I was supported by a USDA post-doctoral fellowship.

I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology (formed by the merger of the Departments of Botany and Zoology) at the University of Florida. I am also a graduate faculty member of the UF Genetics Institute. My complete curriculum vitae is available here.


Updated 14 May 2011