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Loren Cassin Sackett
South Louisiana Mid-Winter Fair / BORSF Endowed Professor in Environmental Science
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
University of Louisiana
Lafayette, LA 70503
Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
email: Cassin [dot] Sackett [at] gmail [dot] com
Loren Cassin Sackett
South Louisiana Mid-Winter Fair / BORSF Endowed Professor in Environmental Science
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
University of Louisiana
Lafayette, LA 70503
Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
email: Cassin [dot] Sackett [at] gmail [dot] com
EDUCATION
Ph.D, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, December 2012.
Dissertation title: Dispersal, diversity and divergence: evolutionary processes in prairie dogs (genus Cynomys).
Advisor: Andrew P. Martin
Committee: Patrik Nosil
Robert P. Guralnick
Sharon K. Collinge
Alan R. Templeton (Washington University in St. Louis)
B.A., Psychology, Whitman College, 2003.
Thesis title: Perceptual differences between native English- and Spanish-speakers using their first or second language.
Advisor: Matthew Prull
RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am interested in the processes that drive the distribution of genetic diversity within and among species, with a focus on the contrast between host adaptation to novel and historical selection pressures. I am especially keen on using genomics to understand the mechanisms underlying the evolution of resistance to introduced pathogens.
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
2019-present: Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
2018-2019: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
2016-2019: Assistant Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
2013-2016: Postdoctoral fellow, Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC (Advisor: Robert C. Fleischer)
2012: Research Assistant, Transforming Undergraduate Education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (Advisors: Kendi Davies and Sarah Wise)
2008-2010: Teaching Fellow, National Science Foundation GK-12. Ryan Elementary School (Lafayette, CO) and Louisville Middle School (Louisville, CO)
2006-2012: Teaching Assistant (Evolution, Genetics, General Biology I and II, Ecology). University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
2005-2006: Research Assistant, Landscape effects on disease dynamics in prairie dogs. University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (Advisors: Sharon K. Collinge and Andrew P. Martin)
2003-2005: Research Assistant, Analysis of nutrient status in alpine soils of Colorado. Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (Advisor: Iggy Litaor)
RESEARCH AND TRAINING GRANTS Total $702,321
2020: Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund. Uncovering the genetic basis of survival from plague in Gunnison's prairie dogs. $69,925
2017: National Science Foundation, Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease Program. Predicting the evolution of vector-borne disease dynamics in a changing world. #1 ranked proposal. Co-PI, Sackett portion $370,468
2016: United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Population genetic analysis to guide emergency management actions for two crashing endangered species, Kauai Island’s Akikiki and Akeke’e (co-PI) $14,504
2016: Friends of the National Zoo Conservation Grant. Genomic analysis of severely endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers in support of captive propagation (co-PI). $5,000
2016: Instrumentl crowdfunding, Using prairie dog genomics to understand disease $1,440
2015: National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration research grant. Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in Hawaiian Honeycreepers. $22,701
2015: Smithsonian Institution Competitive Grants Program for Science. Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in Hawaiian Amakihi (co-PI). $99,500
2013: Smithsonian Institution postdoctoral research grant. Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in Hawaii Amakihi (Hemignathus virens) $4,000
2013: RocketHub crowdfunding, Soil Microbial Communities in Prairie Dog Burrows $2,130
2010: Colorado Division of Wildlife: Comparison of Migration Potential, Inbreeding, and Flea Ecology in the Candidate and Non-candidate Portion of the Gunnison’s Prairie Dog Range in Colorado (co-PI) $50,000
2010: Beverly Sears graduate student grant, University of Colorado $1,000
2009: National Science Foundation GK-12 International Research Partnership: Ecology of McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (PI: Lesley Smith; written by Susan Whitehead, Loren C. Sackett, Kallin Tea and Philip Taylor) $42,516
2009: EEB department grant, University of Colorado $2,500
2009: Boulder County Nature Association grant $1,000
2009: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (training grant), University of Colorado $2,000
2009: University of Colorado Natural History Museum Award, University of Colorado $1,194
2009: Verona Walker Award, University of Colorado $2,000
2008: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (training grant), University of Colorado $3,000
2008: EEB department grant, University of Colorado $2,000
2008: Boulder County Nature Association grant $1,000
2008: University of Colorado Natural History Museum Walker Van Riper grant $1,000
2008: Beverly Sears graduate student grant, University of Colorado $993
2007: EEB department grant, University of Colorado $2,450
FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS Total $201,750
2021: Fulbright Commission, Unifying 'omics to illuminate wildlife disease dynamics in Colombia $26,000
2020: South Louisiana Mid-Winter Fair/Board of Regents Professorship in Environmental Science $20,400
2019: Fulbright Commission, The influence of microbiota on wildlife disease dynamics $26,000
2013: Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Smithsonian Institution: Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in $45,000 Hawaii Amakihi (Hemignathus virens)
2012: Graduate School Dissertation Completion Fellowship, University of Colorado $14,000
2011: EEB Rosella Smith Fellowship, University of Colorado $13,000
2011: ARCS Foundation Achievement Award, University of Colorado $5,000
2011: Finalist, W.D. Hamilton Award for Outstanding Student Talk, Society for the Study of Evolution
2010: ARCS Foundation Achievement Award, University of Colorado (declined) $5,000
2009: EEB Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Colorado $200
2009: NSF GK-12 Teaching Fellowship $45,000
+ $22,500 education allowance
2009: EEB fellowship to attend Organization for Tropical Studies short course $2,850
2008: EEB fellowship to attend Organization for Tropical Studies short course $2,800
2003: Dean’s List, University of Colorado, Boulder CO
2001: Dean’s List, Whitman College, Walla Walla WA
1999: Whitman Brattain Achievement Scholarship, Whitman College $30,000
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS (*undergraduate author)
Kaufmann, C.* and L. Cassin-Sackett 2021. Fine-scale spatial structure of soil microbial communities in the burrows of a keystone rodent. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 9: 758348.
Cassin-Sackett, L., M.G. Campana, N.R. McInerney, H.C. Lim, N.A.S. Przelomska, B.M. Masuda, R. T. Chesser, E.H. Paxton, J.T. Foster, L.H. Crampton, R.C. Fleischer 2021. Genetic structure and population history in two critically endangered Kaua‘i honeycreepers. Conservation Genetics 22: 601–614.
Videvall, E., K.L. Paxton, M.G. Campana, L. Cassin-Sackett, C.T. Atkinson, R.C. Fleischer 2021. Transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression of the invasive avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum in Hawai‘i. Ecology and Evolution 11(9): 4935–4944.
Joubran, S., L. Cassin-Sackett 2021. Genomic resources for an ecologically important rodent, Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni). Conservation Genetics Resources 13(2): 123–126.
Tsuchiya, M.N., R. Dikow, L. Cassin Sackett 2020. First genome sequences of the Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), a keystone species and player in the transmission of sylvatic plague. Genome Biology and Evolution 12(5): 618 - 625.
L. Cassin Sackett 2020. Promising Protocols for Parasites: Metatranscriptomics reveals improved detection of hyperdiverse but low abundance communities. Molecular Ecology Resources 20(1): 8 - 10. Invited Perspective.
L. Cassin Sackett, A. Welch, M.X. Venkatraman, T.E. Callicrate, R.C. Fleischer 2019. The contribution of genomics to avian conservation. In: Avian Genomics in Ecology and Evolution pp. 295 - 330. Springer, Cham.
L. Cassin Sackett, T.E. Callicrate, R.C. Fleischer 2019. Parallel evolution of gene classes, but not genes: Evidence from Hawai'ian honeycreeper populations exposed to malaria. Molecular Ecology 28(3): 568-583. DOI: 10.1111/mec.14891
L. Cassin Sackett 2017. Does the host matter? Variable influence of host traits on parasitism rates. International Journal of Parasitology 48(1): 27 - 39.
G. Castellanos-Morales, J. Ortega, R. Castillo-Gámez, L.C. Sackett, L. Eguiarte 2015. Genetic variation and structure in contrasting geographic distributions: widespread vs. restricted black-tailed prairie dogs (subgenus Cynomys). Journal of Heredity 106: 478 – 490.
L.C. Sackett, A. Seglund, R.P. Guralnick, M.N. Mazzella*, D.M. Wagner, J.D. Busch, A.P. Martin 2014. Evidence for two subspecies of Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni), and the general importance of the subspecies concept. Biological Conservation 174: 1 – 11.
L.C. Sackett, S.K. Collinge, A.P. Martin 2013. Do pathogens reduce genetic diversity of their hosts? Variable effects of sylvatic plague in black-tailed prairie dogs. Molecular Ecology 22: 2441 – 2455.
L.C. Sackett, T.B. Cross*, R.T. Jones, W. Johnson, K. Ballare, C. Ray, S.K. Collinge, A.P. Martin 2012. Connectivity of prairie dog colonies in an altered landscape: inferences from analysis of microsatellite DNA variation. Conservation Genetics 13: 407 – 418.
S.H. Paull, S. Song, K.M. McClure, L.C. Sackett, M. Kilpatrick, P.T.J. Johnson 2012. From superspreaders to disease hotspots: linking transmission across hosts and space. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 75 – 82.
L.C. Sackett, L.K. Etchberger, M.N. Mazzella*, D.D. Lim*, A.P. Martin 2010. Characterization of 18 microsatellite loci for three species of prairie dogs. Molecular Ecology Resources 10: 232–236.
J.M. Basey, L.C. Sackett, N.S. Robinson 2008. Optimal science lab design: impacts of various components of lab design on students’ attitudes toward lab. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 2(1), Article 15.
M.I. Litaor, T.R. Seastedt, L.C. Sackett 2008. An analysis of the nutrient status of alpine soils of the Colorado Front Range using the N:P ratio index. Soil Science Society of America Journal 72: 1628 – 1636.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS
Warren, C.C., L.K. Berthold, H.L. Mounce, J.T. Foster, L.C. Sackett. 2019. Evaluating the risk of avian disease in reintroducing the endangered Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill: Pseudonestor xanthophrys) to Nakula NAR, Maui, Hawai‘i. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Technical Report #201. University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Department of Botany. Honolulu, HI. 50 pages.
R.C. Fleischer, L. Cassin Sackett, M.G. Campana 2018. Population genetic analysis to guide emergency management actions for two crashing endangered species, Kauai Island's Akikiki and Akekee. Report prepared for the USFWS.
L. Cassin Sackett 2016. SNP_Capture (A full pipeline for processing and analyzing population genetics data from SNPs generated by Illlumina sequencing). GitHub respository. https://github.com/CassinSackett/SNP_capture
L. Cassin Sackett 2015. R_Scripts (scripts for simulating data with small sample sizes). GitHub respository. https://github.com/CassinSackett/R_scripts
A.P. Martin and L.C. Sackett 2012. Assessing the subspecies status within Cynomys gunnisoni. Final report prepared for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO.
L.C. Sackett 2009. Recolonization after plague in black-tailed prairie dogs. inal report prepared for the Boulder County Nature Association, Boulder, CO. Available at http://bcna.org/library/Sackett_finalreport09.pdf.
L.C. Sackett 2008. Post-plague recolonization in black-tailed prairie dogs. Final report prepared for Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Boulder, CO.
L.C. Sackett 2007. Genetic effects of post-plague recolonization in black-tailed prairie dogs. Final report prepared for Boulder County Open Space, Longmont, CO.
F.M. Dunnivant, L. DeMuth, S. Ferguson, R. Kormanyos, S. McConnell, L. Sackett, J. Schulte 2006. Environmental Laws. In: A Basic Introduction to Pollutant Fate and Transport: An Integrated Approach with Chemistry, Modeling, Risk Assessment, and Environmental Legislation, F.M. Dunnivant, E. Anders. John Wiley & Sons Inc., Hoboken, NJ.
INVITED SEMINARS
2021: Asociación Colombiana de Ciencias Biológicas y Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia. (In Spanish)
2020: University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.
Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
2019: Genomics of Wildlife Diseases workshop, Plenary Speaker, Fort Collins, CO.
2018: Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science, Baton Rouge, LA.
University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA.
2016: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
2015: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Malaria RCN, Shepherdstown, WV.
2013: Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, D.C.
2012: Prairie Dog Conservation Team Annual Meeting, Fort Collins, CO.
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Boulder, CO.
2010: Graduate Student Evolution Symposium, University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO.
2009: Graduate School Advisory Board quarterly meeting, Boulder, CO.
CONTRIBUTED PRESENTATIONS
2018: European Society for Evolutionary Biology / Society for the Study of Evolution Joint Congress, Montpellier, France.
2017: Jacques Monod Conference “Open questions in disease ecology and evolution,” Roscoff, France.
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Santa Barbara, CA.
2016: Southeastern Population Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Madison, FL.
Evolution, Austin, TX. Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8iotGtFqL8.
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Ithaca, NY.
2015: Evolution, Guarujá, Brasil. Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFSq3omWis.
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Athens, GA.
2012: Dissertation Seminar, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.
Ecological Society of America, Portland, OR.
2011: Ecological Society of America, Austin, TX.
Evolution, Norman, OK. Hamilton Award Finalist.
2010: Evolution, Portland, OR.
University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO.
2009: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO.
2003: Whitman Undergraduate Conference, Walla Walla, WA.
SERVICE, OUTREACH AND AFFILIATIONS
2006-present: Professional Service:
Representative, Conservation Genetics branch, Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Initiative
Chair (3 years) and Representative (2 years), Teaching Evolution Outreach Committee, University of Colorado
Co-organizer (4 years), Teaching Evolution Workshop for high school teachers (attracts ~100 teachers annually from Colorado and Wyoming)
Co-organizer, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute seminar series
Co-organizer, Animal Disease Symposium (Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute)
Representative (5 years), Colloquium Committee (University of Colorado)
Founder and Chair (3 years), Undergraduate-Graduate mentoring program (University of Colorado)
Representative (3 years), Spring Symposium Committee (University of Colorado)
2010-present: Research-based Outreach Activities:
STEM Representative, Athletes for Charity's STEM Expo + Youth Football Camp
Smithsonian National Zoo events: Autumn Conservation Festival (thousands of attendees, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute); research presentation to Small Mammal House Volunteers (30 attendees, contact with millions of visitors)
Thomas Jefferson High School lab visit (30 students)
Sherwood High School lab visit (50 students)
Goldrick Elementary School lab visit (75 students)
D.C. Science Writers Association lab visit (12 writers)
Author, In The Light of Evolution blog
Coauthor, Project Extremes blog (https://extremesantarctica.wordpress.com/)
2008-present: Activities to Advance Women in Science:
Founder and Chair, Professional Development series (biweekly workshops, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 95% women)
Representative, Women in Science Solutions Forum (Smithsonian Institution)
Graduate Student Co-Chair, Nag’s Heart organization for women in STEM (University of Colorado)
Ambassador, 500 Women Scientists (Florida chapter)
2012-present: Reviewer (journals): Biological Conservation (1), Ecology and Evolution (1), Journal of Biogeography (1), Journal of Heredity (1), Molecular Ecology (5), PLoS One (2), Therya (1)
2016-present: Reviewer (fellowships): Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship Competition
2017: Reviewer (conservation decisions): Species Status Assessment Report for white-tailed prairie dogs; to be submitted as part of a listing decision under the Endangered Species Act
2008-present: Society Memberships: Society for the Study of Evolution; American Society of Naturalists; Wildlife Disease Association; Ecological Society of America; Society for Conservation Biology
2016-present: Departmental and University Service:
Graduate Admissions and Policy Committee (University of South Florida)
Faculty Advisory Committee, Office of Undergraduate Research (Univ. of South FL)
College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee (University of South Florida)
TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE:
Course Development:
Quantitative Evolution (with R-based and other lab activities), University of Louisiana (2021)
Disease Ecology and Evolution (graduate level), University of Louisiana (2019)
Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Louisiana (2018)
Organic Evolution (with R-based activities), University of South Florida (2017)
Mammalogy (with lab), University of South Florida (2017)
The Influence of Humans on Evolutionary Processes, Smithsonian Adult Education Program (2014)
Research Assistantships:
Transforming Undergraduate Education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (2012)
Evaluation of Lab Design in Engaging General Biology Students (2007)
Teaching Assistantships:
Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado (2008, 2011)
Genetics: Molecules to Populations, University of Colorado (2008, 2011)
Ecology, University of Colorado (2007)
General Biology II, University of Colorado (2007, 2012)
General Biology I, University of Colorado (2006)
STEM K-12 Education:
Teaching Evolution workshop for high school teachers, Boulder, CO (2010, 2011, 2012)
7th grade Life Science Teaching Fellow, Louisville Middle School, Louisville, CO (2009-2010)
4th grade Science Teaching Fellow, Ryan Elementary School, Lafayette, CO (2009)
Guest Lecturer:
Conservation Biology, Warren Wilson College (2018, via Skype)
Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado (2011, 2012)
Genetics: Molecules to Populations, University of Colorado (2008, 2011)
Students Mentored:
Graduate students mentored as thesis committee member: Sarah Bolinger (2018 - 2019), Romina Carnero-Huaman (2019), Chloe Ramsay (2016-2017), Bryan Delius (2017), Meredith Kernbach (2017)
Undergraduate students: Erin Arnold (2006-2010), Gabrielle Atkinson (2016-2019), Monica Burley (2009), Jeanette Calarco (2016-2018), Corey Fulton (2008), Hayden Gardner (2009), Rebecca Harripersaud (2016-2018), August Jensen (2007-2009), Chadwick Kaufman (2017-2019), Su Lai (2008), Max Mazzella (2008-2010), Jeanette Miller (2016-2017), Olivia Sciandra (2017-2018), Brenden Scott (2017-2018), Silas Tittes (2012-2013)
Graduate students mentored as a graduate student: Sierra Love Stowell, Sara Hellmuth Paull, Sarah Orlofske, Abbey Paulson, Evelyn Cheng
WORKSHOPS AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
2018: NSF RCN: Using metamodels to enable transdisciplinary research in dynamic biological systems, Yulee, FL
2016: Prairie Dog / Plague Resistance Research Coordination Network, Fort Collins, CO
2014: Programming for Evolutionary Biology, Leipzig, Germany
2013: Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics, NESCent Academy, Durham NC
2012: Software Carpentry Workshop, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO
2012: Next-Generation Sequencing Workshop, Ottawa, Canada
2012: Estimating Species Trees, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
2009: Conservation & Adaptive Management (Organization for Tropical Studies), Las Cruces Biological Station, Costa Rica
2008: International Plague Symposium, Fort Collins, CO
2008: NSF/University of Colorado LEAP Professional Development Workshop, Boulder, CO
2008: Conservation and Biodiversity Genetics (Organization for Tropical Studies), Palo Verde Research Station, Costa Rica
POPULAR PRESS:
Avian Hybrids Blog, April 2019. Mastering Malaria: The Hawai’i’ amakihi uses a combination of genes to combat avian malaria. https://avianhybrids.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/mastering-malaria-the-hawaiian-amakihi-uses-a-variety-of-genes-to-combat-avian-malaria/
Science For the People Podcast, May 2018. Episode #472: A Good Bout of Plague. http://www.scienceforthepeople.ca/episodes/a-good-bout-of-plague
The Garden Island, 2016. Research could help save Kaua'i's endangered birds. http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/research-could-help-save-kauai-s-endangered-birds/article_473f0ee6-48cf-5e7b-be24-09f20235c6bc.html
Eco Tones Podcast, 2016. Episode 3: Loren Cassin Sackett and Nic Kooyers. https://soundcloud.com/ecotonespodcast/episode-3-loren-cassin-sackett-and-nic-kooyers
Eco Tones Podcast, 2016. Episode 2: Loren Cassin Sackett and Nic Kooyers. https://soundcloud.com/ecotonespodcast/episode-2-loren-cassin-sackett-and-nic-kooyers
Kiwikiu News, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project Newsletter, 2016. Avian Research and Management. http://www.mauiforestbirds.org/Newsletters/2016_Spring.pdf
Scientific Collections International, 2014. Tracing the history of disease. http://blog.scicoll.org/2014/09/tracing-history-of-disease.html
RocketHub Crowdfunding Movement, 2013. Prairie dogs and their microbial neighbors: soil communities in burrows. Featured project. http://www.rockethub.com/projects/25189-prairie-dogs-and-their-microbial-neighbors-soil-communities-in-burrows
The Ecological Society of America, 2012. Superspreading hosts and disease hotspots. Podcast. http://www.frontiersinecology.org/beyond/?p=309
University of Colorado Science Education Initiative, 2010. Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears. Teacher and graduate students bring extreme science into K-12 curriculum. Podcast. http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/podcast/
Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, Education and Outreach, 2010. Project Extremes: sending science graduate students into K-12 classrooms. http://issuu.com/cires/docs/education_outreach
The Antarctic Sun, 2009. Extreme Outreach: CU-Boulder grad students head to Antarctica for research and education. http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/science/contenthandler.cfm?id=1996
Boulder Daily Camera, 2009. Casey Middle School teacher, CU-Boulder graduate students headed to Antarctica. http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_13985269#axzz0iGTCBpBx
University of Colorado Graduate School 2009. Graduate student grants allow Loren Sackett to research role of disease in evolution of prairie dogs. Website feature. http://www.colorado.edu/GraduateSchool/funding/ and http://gradfeatures.colorado.edu/features/features_print.php?id=14
Ph.D, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, December 2012.
Dissertation title: Dispersal, diversity and divergence: evolutionary processes in prairie dogs (genus Cynomys).
Advisor: Andrew P. Martin
Committee: Patrik Nosil
Robert P. Guralnick
Sharon K. Collinge
Alan R. Templeton (Washington University in St. Louis)
B.A., Psychology, Whitman College, 2003.
Thesis title: Perceptual differences between native English- and Spanish-speakers using their first or second language.
Advisor: Matthew Prull
RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am interested in the processes that drive the distribution of genetic diversity within and among species, with a focus on the contrast between host adaptation to novel and historical selection pressures. I am especially keen on using genomics to understand the mechanisms underlying the evolution of resistance to introduced pathogens.
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
2019-present: Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
2018-2019: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
2016-2019: Assistant Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
2013-2016: Postdoctoral fellow, Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC (Advisor: Robert C. Fleischer)
2012: Research Assistant, Transforming Undergraduate Education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (Advisors: Kendi Davies and Sarah Wise)
2008-2010: Teaching Fellow, National Science Foundation GK-12. Ryan Elementary School (Lafayette, CO) and Louisville Middle School (Louisville, CO)
2006-2012: Teaching Assistant (Evolution, Genetics, General Biology I and II, Ecology). University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
2005-2006: Research Assistant, Landscape effects on disease dynamics in prairie dogs. University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (Advisors: Sharon K. Collinge and Andrew P. Martin)
2003-2005: Research Assistant, Analysis of nutrient status in alpine soils of Colorado. Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (Advisor: Iggy Litaor)
RESEARCH AND TRAINING GRANTS Total $702,321
2020: Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund. Uncovering the genetic basis of survival from plague in Gunnison's prairie dogs. $69,925
2017: National Science Foundation, Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease Program. Predicting the evolution of vector-borne disease dynamics in a changing world. #1 ranked proposal. Co-PI, Sackett portion $370,468
2016: United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Population genetic analysis to guide emergency management actions for two crashing endangered species, Kauai Island’s Akikiki and Akeke’e (co-PI) $14,504
2016: Friends of the National Zoo Conservation Grant. Genomic analysis of severely endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers in support of captive propagation (co-PI). $5,000
2016: Instrumentl crowdfunding, Using prairie dog genomics to understand disease $1,440
2015: National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration research grant. Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in Hawaiian Honeycreepers. $22,701
2015: Smithsonian Institution Competitive Grants Program for Science. Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in Hawaiian Amakihi (co-PI). $99,500
2013: Smithsonian Institution postdoctoral research grant. Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in Hawaii Amakihi (Hemignathus virens) $4,000
2013: RocketHub crowdfunding, Soil Microbial Communities in Prairie Dog Burrows $2,130
2010: Colorado Division of Wildlife: Comparison of Migration Potential, Inbreeding, and Flea Ecology in the Candidate and Non-candidate Portion of the Gunnison’s Prairie Dog Range in Colorado (co-PI) $50,000
2010: Beverly Sears graduate student grant, University of Colorado $1,000
2009: National Science Foundation GK-12 International Research Partnership: Ecology of McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (PI: Lesley Smith; written by Susan Whitehead, Loren C. Sackett, Kallin Tea and Philip Taylor) $42,516
2009: EEB department grant, University of Colorado $2,500
2009: Boulder County Nature Association grant $1,000
2009: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (training grant), University of Colorado $2,000
2009: University of Colorado Natural History Museum Award, University of Colorado $1,194
2009: Verona Walker Award, University of Colorado $2,000
2008: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (training grant), University of Colorado $3,000
2008: EEB department grant, University of Colorado $2,000
2008: Boulder County Nature Association grant $1,000
2008: University of Colorado Natural History Museum Walker Van Riper grant $1,000
2008: Beverly Sears graduate student grant, University of Colorado $993
2007: EEB department grant, University of Colorado $2,450
FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS Total $201,750
2021: Fulbright Commission, Unifying 'omics to illuminate wildlife disease dynamics in Colombia $26,000
2020: South Louisiana Mid-Winter Fair/Board of Regents Professorship in Environmental Science $20,400
2019: Fulbright Commission, The influence of microbiota on wildlife disease dynamics $26,000
2013: Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Smithsonian Institution: Genomics of Resistance to Avian Malaria in $45,000 Hawaii Amakihi (Hemignathus virens)
2012: Graduate School Dissertation Completion Fellowship, University of Colorado $14,000
2011: EEB Rosella Smith Fellowship, University of Colorado $13,000
2011: ARCS Foundation Achievement Award, University of Colorado $5,000
2011: Finalist, W.D. Hamilton Award for Outstanding Student Talk, Society for the Study of Evolution
2010: ARCS Foundation Achievement Award, University of Colorado (declined) $5,000
2009: EEB Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Colorado $200
2009: NSF GK-12 Teaching Fellowship $45,000
+ $22,500 education allowance
2009: EEB fellowship to attend Organization for Tropical Studies short course $2,850
2008: EEB fellowship to attend Organization for Tropical Studies short course $2,800
2003: Dean’s List, University of Colorado, Boulder CO
2001: Dean’s List, Whitman College, Walla Walla WA
1999: Whitman Brattain Achievement Scholarship, Whitman College $30,000
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS (*undergraduate author)
Kaufmann, C.* and L. Cassin-Sackett 2021. Fine-scale spatial structure of soil microbial communities in the burrows of a keystone rodent. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 9: 758348.
Cassin-Sackett, L., M.G. Campana, N.R. McInerney, H.C. Lim, N.A.S. Przelomska, B.M. Masuda, R. T. Chesser, E.H. Paxton, J.T. Foster, L.H. Crampton, R.C. Fleischer 2021. Genetic structure and population history in two critically endangered Kaua‘i honeycreepers. Conservation Genetics 22: 601–614.
Videvall, E., K.L. Paxton, M.G. Campana, L. Cassin-Sackett, C.T. Atkinson, R.C. Fleischer 2021. Transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression of the invasive avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum in Hawai‘i. Ecology and Evolution 11(9): 4935–4944.
Joubran, S., L. Cassin-Sackett 2021. Genomic resources for an ecologically important rodent, Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni). Conservation Genetics Resources 13(2): 123–126.
Tsuchiya, M.N., R. Dikow, L. Cassin Sackett 2020. First genome sequences of the Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), a keystone species and player in the transmission of sylvatic plague. Genome Biology and Evolution 12(5): 618 - 625.
L. Cassin Sackett 2020. Promising Protocols for Parasites: Metatranscriptomics reveals improved detection of hyperdiverse but low abundance communities. Molecular Ecology Resources 20(1): 8 - 10. Invited Perspective.
L. Cassin Sackett, A. Welch, M.X. Venkatraman, T.E. Callicrate, R.C. Fleischer 2019. The contribution of genomics to avian conservation. In: Avian Genomics in Ecology and Evolution pp. 295 - 330. Springer, Cham.
L. Cassin Sackett, T.E. Callicrate, R.C. Fleischer 2019. Parallel evolution of gene classes, but not genes: Evidence from Hawai'ian honeycreeper populations exposed to malaria. Molecular Ecology 28(3): 568-583. DOI: 10.1111/mec.14891
L. Cassin Sackett 2017. Does the host matter? Variable influence of host traits on parasitism rates. International Journal of Parasitology 48(1): 27 - 39.
G. Castellanos-Morales, J. Ortega, R. Castillo-Gámez, L.C. Sackett, L. Eguiarte 2015. Genetic variation and structure in contrasting geographic distributions: widespread vs. restricted black-tailed prairie dogs (subgenus Cynomys). Journal of Heredity 106: 478 – 490.
L.C. Sackett, A. Seglund, R.P. Guralnick, M.N. Mazzella*, D.M. Wagner, J.D. Busch, A.P. Martin 2014. Evidence for two subspecies of Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni), and the general importance of the subspecies concept. Biological Conservation 174: 1 – 11.
L.C. Sackett, S.K. Collinge, A.P. Martin 2013. Do pathogens reduce genetic diversity of their hosts? Variable effects of sylvatic plague in black-tailed prairie dogs. Molecular Ecology 22: 2441 – 2455.
L.C. Sackett, T.B. Cross*, R.T. Jones, W. Johnson, K. Ballare, C. Ray, S.K. Collinge, A.P. Martin 2012. Connectivity of prairie dog colonies in an altered landscape: inferences from analysis of microsatellite DNA variation. Conservation Genetics 13: 407 – 418.
S.H. Paull, S. Song, K.M. McClure, L.C. Sackett, M. Kilpatrick, P.T.J. Johnson 2012. From superspreaders to disease hotspots: linking transmission across hosts and space. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 75 – 82.
L.C. Sackett, L.K. Etchberger, M.N. Mazzella*, D.D. Lim*, A.P. Martin 2010. Characterization of 18 microsatellite loci for three species of prairie dogs. Molecular Ecology Resources 10: 232–236.
J.M. Basey, L.C. Sackett, N.S. Robinson 2008. Optimal science lab design: impacts of various components of lab design on students’ attitudes toward lab. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 2(1), Article 15.
M.I. Litaor, T.R. Seastedt, L.C. Sackett 2008. An analysis of the nutrient status of alpine soils of the Colorado Front Range using the N:P ratio index. Soil Science Society of America Journal 72: 1628 – 1636.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS
Warren, C.C., L.K. Berthold, H.L. Mounce, J.T. Foster, L.C. Sackett. 2019. Evaluating the risk of avian disease in reintroducing the endangered Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill: Pseudonestor xanthophrys) to Nakula NAR, Maui, Hawai‘i. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Technical Report #201. University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Department of Botany. Honolulu, HI. 50 pages.
R.C. Fleischer, L. Cassin Sackett, M.G. Campana 2018. Population genetic analysis to guide emergency management actions for two crashing endangered species, Kauai Island's Akikiki and Akekee. Report prepared for the USFWS.
L. Cassin Sackett 2016. SNP_Capture (A full pipeline for processing and analyzing population genetics data from SNPs generated by Illlumina sequencing). GitHub respository. https://github.com/CassinSackett/SNP_capture
L. Cassin Sackett 2015. R_Scripts (scripts for simulating data with small sample sizes). GitHub respository. https://github.com/CassinSackett/R_scripts
A.P. Martin and L.C. Sackett 2012. Assessing the subspecies status within Cynomys gunnisoni. Final report prepared for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO.
L.C. Sackett 2009. Recolonization after plague in black-tailed prairie dogs. inal report prepared for the Boulder County Nature Association, Boulder, CO. Available at http://bcna.org/library/Sackett_finalreport09.pdf.
L.C. Sackett 2008. Post-plague recolonization in black-tailed prairie dogs. Final report prepared for Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Boulder, CO.
L.C. Sackett 2007. Genetic effects of post-plague recolonization in black-tailed prairie dogs. Final report prepared for Boulder County Open Space, Longmont, CO.
F.M. Dunnivant, L. DeMuth, S. Ferguson, R. Kormanyos, S. McConnell, L. Sackett, J. Schulte 2006. Environmental Laws. In: A Basic Introduction to Pollutant Fate and Transport: An Integrated Approach with Chemistry, Modeling, Risk Assessment, and Environmental Legislation, F.M. Dunnivant, E. Anders. John Wiley & Sons Inc., Hoboken, NJ.
INVITED SEMINARS
2021: Asociación Colombiana de Ciencias Biológicas y Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia. (In Spanish)
2020: University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.
Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
2019: Genomics of Wildlife Diseases workshop, Plenary Speaker, Fort Collins, CO.
2018: Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science, Baton Rouge, LA.
University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA.
2016: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
2015: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Malaria RCN, Shepherdstown, WV.
2013: Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, D.C.
2012: Prairie Dog Conservation Team Annual Meeting, Fort Collins, CO.
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Boulder, CO.
2010: Graduate Student Evolution Symposium, University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO.
2009: Graduate School Advisory Board quarterly meeting, Boulder, CO.
CONTRIBUTED PRESENTATIONS
2018: European Society for Evolutionary Biology / Society for the Study of Evolution Joint Congress, Montpellier, France.
2017: Jacques Monod Conference “Open questions in disease ecology and evolution,” Roscoff, France.
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Santa Barbara, CA.
2016: Southeastern Population Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Madison, FL.
Evolution, Austin, TX. Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8iotGtFqL8.
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Ithaca, NY.
2015: Evolution, Guarujá, Brasil. Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFSq3omWis.
Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Athens, GA.
2012: Dissertation Seminar, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.
Ecological Society of America, Portland, OR.
2011: Ecological Society of America, Austin, TX.
Evolution, Norman, OK. Hamilton Award Finalist.
2010: Evolution, Portland, OR.
University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO.
2009: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO.
2003: Whitman Undergraduate Conference, Walla Walla, WA.
SERVICE, OUTREACH AND AFFILIATIONS
2006-present: Professional Service:
Representative, Conservation Genetics branch, Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Initiative
Chair (3 years) and Representative (2 years), Teaching Evolution Outreach Committee, University of Colorado
Co-organizer (4 years), Teaching Evolution Workshop for high school teachers (attracts ~100 teachers annually from Colorado and Wyoming)
Co-organizer, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute seminar series
Co-organizer, Animal Disease Symposium (Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute)
Representative (5 years), Colloquium Committee (University of Colorado)
Founder and Chair (3 years), Undergraduate-Graduate mentoring program (University of Colorado)
Representative (3 years), Spring Symposium Committee (University of Colorado)
2010-present: Research-based Outreach Activities:
STEM Representative, Athletes for Charity's STEM Expo + Youth Football Camp
Smithsonian National Zoo events: Autumn Conservation Festival (thousands of attendees, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute); research presentation to Small Mammal House Volunteers (30 attendees, contact with millions of visitors)
Thomas Jefferson High School lab visit (30 students)
Sherwood High School lab visit (50 students)
Goldrick Elementary School lab visit (75 students)
D.C. Science Writers Association lab visit (12 writers)
Author, In The Light of Evolution blog
Coauthor, Project Extremes blog (https://extremesantarctica.wordpress.com/)
2008-present: Activities to Advance Women in Science:
Founder and Chair, Professional Development series (biweekly workshops, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 95% women)
Representative, Women in Science Solutions Forum (Smithsonian Institution)
Graduate Student Co-Chair, Nag’s Heart organization for women in STEM (University of Colorado)
Ambassador, 500 Women Scientists (Florida chapter)
2012-present: Reviewer (journals): Biological Conservation (1), Ecology and Evolution (1), Journal of Biogeography (1), Journal of Heredity (1), Molecular Ecology (5), PLoS One (2), Therya (1)
2016-present: Reviewer (fellowships): Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship Competition
2017: Reviewer (conservation decisions): Species Status Assessment Report for white-tailed prairie dogs; to be submitted as part of a listing decision under the Endangered Species Act
2008-present: Society Memberships: Society for the Study of Evolution; American Society of Naturalists; Wildlife Disease Association; Ecological Society of America; Society for Conservation Biology
2016-present: Departmental and University Service:
Graduate Admissions and Policy Committee (University of South Florida)
Faculty Advisory Committee, Office of Undergraduate Research (Univ. of South FL)
College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee (University of South Florida)
TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE:
Course Development:
Quantitative Evolution (with R-based and other lab activities), University of Louisiana (2021)
Disease Ecology and Evolution (graduate level), University of Louisiana (2019)
Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Louisiana (2018)
Organic Evolution (with R-based activities), University of South Florida (2017)
Mammalogy (with lab), University of South Florida (2017)
The Influence of Humans on Evolutionary Processes, Smithsonian Adult Education Program (2014)
Research Assistantships:
Transforming Undergraduate Education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (2012)
Evaluation of Lab Design in Engaging General Biology Students (2007)
Teaching Assistantships:
Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado (2008, 2011)
Genetics: Molecules to Populations, University of Colorado (2008, 2011)
Ecology, University of Colorado (2007)
General Biology II, University of Colorado (2007, 2012)
General Biology I, University of Colorado (2006)
STEM K-12 Education:
Teaching Evolution workshop for high school teachers, Boulder, CO (2010, 2011, 2012)
7th grade Life Science Teaching Fellow, Louisville Middle School, Louisville, CO (2009-2010)
4th grade Science Teaching Fellow, Ryan Elementary School, Lafayette, CO (2009)
Guest Lecturer:
Conservation Biology, Warren Wilson College (2018, via Skype)
Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado (2011, 2012)
Genetics: Molecules to Populations, University of Colorado (2008, 2011)
Students Mentored:
Graduate students mentored as thesis committee member: Sarah Bolinger (2018 - 2019), Romina Carnero-Huaman (2019), Chloe Ramsay (2016-2017), Bryan Delius (2017), Meredith Kernbach (2017)
Undergraduate students: Erin Arnold (2006-2010), Gabrielle Atkinson (2016-2019), Monica Burley (2009), Jeanette Calarco (2016-2018), Corey Fulton (2008), Hayden Gardner (2009), Rebecca Harripersaud (2016-2018), August Jensen (2007-2009), Chadwick Kaufman (2017-2019), Su Lai (2008), Max Mazzella (2008-2010), Jeanette Miller (2016-2017), Olivia Sciandra (2017-2018), Brenden Scott (2017-2018), Silas Tittes (2012-2013)
Graduate students mentored as a graduate student: Sierra Love Stowell, Sara Hellmuth Paull, Sarah Orlofske, Abbey Paulson, Evelyn Cheng
WORKSHOPS AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
2018: NSF RCN: Using metamodels to enable transdisciplinary research in dynamic biological systems, Yulee, FL
2016: Prairie Dog / Plague Resistance Research Coordination Network, Fort Collins, CO
2014: Programming for Evolutionary Biology, Leipzig, Germany
2013: Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics, NESCent Academy, Durham NC
2012: Software Carpentry Workshop, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO
2012: Next-Generation Sequencing Workshop, Ottawa, Canada
2012: Estimating Species Trees, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
2009: Conservation & Adaptive Management (Organization for Tropical Studies), Las Cruces Biological Station, Costa Rica
2008: International Plague Symposium, Fort Collins, CO
2008: NSF/University of Colorado LEAP Professional Development Workshop, Boulder, CO
2008: Conservation and Biodiversity Genetics (Organization for Tropical Studies), Palo Verde Research Station, Costa Rica
POPULAR PRESS:
Avian Hybrids Blog, April 2019. Mastering Malaria: The Hawai’i’ amakihi uses a combination of genes to combat avian malaria. https://avianhybrids.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/mastering-malaria-the-hawaiian-amakihi-uses-a-variety-of-genes-to-combat-avian-malaria/
Science For the People Podcast, May 2018. Episode #472: A Good Bout of Plague. http://www.scienceforthepeople.ca/episodes/a-good-bout-of-plague
The Garden Island, 2016. Research could help save Kaua'i's endangered birds. http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/research-could-help-save-kauai-s-endangered-birds/article_473f0ee6-48cf-5e7b-be24-09f20235c6bc.html
Eco Tones Podcast, 2016. Episode 3: Loren Cassin Sackett and Nic Kooyers. https://soundcloud.com/ecotonespodcast/episode-3-loren-cassin-sackett-and-nic-kooyers
Eco Tones Podcast, 2016. Episode 2: Loren Cassin Sackett and Nic Kooyers. https://soundcloud.com/ecotonespodcast/episode-2-loren-cassin-sackett-and-nic-kooyers
Kiwikiu News, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project Newsletter, 2016. Avian Research and Management. http://www.mauiforestbirds.org/Newsletters/2016_Spring.pdf
Scientific Collections International, 2014. Tracing the history of disease. http://blog.scicoll.org/2014/09/tracing-history-of-disease.html
RocketHub Crowdfunding Movement, 2013. Prairie dogs and their microbial neighbors: soil communities in burrows. Featured project. http://www.rockethub.com/projects/25189-prairie-dogs-and-their-microbial-neighbors-soil-communities-in-burrows
The Ecological Society of America, 2012. Superspreading hosts and disease hotspots. Podcast. http://www.frontiersinecology.org/beyond/?p=309
University of Colorado Science Education Initiative, 2010. Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears. Teacher and graduate students bring extreme science into K-12 curriculum. Podcast. http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/podcast/
Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, Education and Outreach, 2010. Project Extremes: sending science graduate students into K-12 classrooms. http://issuu.com/cires/docs/education_outreach
The Antarctic Sun, 2009. Extreme Outreach: CU-Boulder grad students head to Antarctica for research and education. http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/science/contenthandler.cfm?id=1996
Boulder Daily Camera, 2009. Casey Middle School teacher, CU-Boulder graduate students headed to Antarctica. http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_13985269#axzz0iGTCBpBx
University of Colorado Graduate School 2009. Graduate student grants allow Loren Sackett to research role of disease in evolution of prairie dogs. Website feature. http://www.colorado.edu/GraduateSchool/funding/ and http://gradfeatures.colorado.edu/features/features_print.php?id=14
