Jamie Howard, Ph.D.

jamie howard
Teaching Professor, Biology
Rydal, 201

Teaching Background

Visiting College Assistant Professor, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2012-2013
Postdoctoral Research Associate, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2010-2012

My research involves the study of beneficial symbioses, including how symbiotic partners choose and 'communicate' with one another and how specificity in 'partner choice' evolves. My primary focus has been on the symbiosis between legume plants and nitrogen-fixing root bacteria, although I also have conducted research on a squid--bioluminescent bacteria (Euprymna spp.--Vibrio fischeri) symbiotic system. In addition, my work focuses on the biodiversity of legume rhizobial partners, especially the identification of unusual bacterial strains that reside in root nodules of desert-adapted plants.

Teaching interests

I have taught a diverse group of courses at previous institutions, including introductory biology for majors, plant biology for non-majors, human physiology, genetics, applied genetics, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and applied and environmental microbiology.

Ph.D. Plant Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2010
B.S.  Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2001

BIOL 110  Biology:  Basic Concepts and Biodiversity
BIOL 405  Molecular Evolution
BIOL 406  Symbiosis
BIOL 461 Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine
MICRB 106 Elementary Microbiology
MICRB 107 Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
MICRB 201 Introductory Microbiology