Anet Mihaylova Filipova, College of Sciences and Mathematics Faculty and Staff

Short Bio

I am a PhD candidate at Dr. Tonia Schwartz Lab at Auburn University, working on life history trade-offs and genetic responses to environmental stress in reptiles. My research focuses on evaluating the physiological and molecular consequences of conservation practices in the keystone species, the Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Aspects of my dissertation include analyzing gene expression data, genome assembly and characterization of the methylome. I am also working with the Yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor mormon), a subspecies that exhibits insular dwarfism and is found on the California Channel Islands and mainland California. My research with this species involves whole genome sequencing and genome assembly to determine population structure, genetic diversity and evolutionary history of island vs. mainland populations.