AAEC Molecular Genetics Research Team

“The Frog Project”

In January of 2008, a small group of five students led by Dr. Mike Brown

started work with the Chiricahua Leopard Frog, an endangered species native to

Arizona, in hopes that research on remaining genetic variability in the species could

lead to the development of effective breeding programs. This cooperative effort

between AAEC HighSchools and the Phoenix Zoo started just over a year ago and

has grown to include a total of fourteen dedicated students working towards the

conservation of this species. The work the team has been doing has produced

novel scientific research and several posters which have appeared at

The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVII and The National

FFA Science Fair. The students involved are getting hands on experience with

sophisticated bio-tech procedures and equipment, work which will prepare them

for careers in the field.

Links to Abstracts for Past and Current Presentations:

An AFLP Protocol for Genotyping Rare Frogs

PAG XVIII

Genome Sequencing at a High School: Education Evolved

PAG XVIII

New Spots for The Leopard Frog: de novo Microsatellites

PAG XVIII

Frogs in a Blender: A New Spin on Going Green

PAG XVII

Developing a Cost Saving PCR Reaction

PAG XVII

Project Directors:

Taylor Ortiz, John Wood, Amanda Fish

Current Researchers:

Kellie Webb

Emma Holland

Jessica Keller

Taylor Lasley

Alexander Woytenko

Becca Mastrocola

Karisa Kauspedas

Keili Summie

Kayla Woytenko

Connor Kubalek

Brook Burgess

Alumni:

Charles Pressler

Shea Stewart

Jessica Gaines

Mathew Charnell

Gabriel Delmar

Siavonh Lenaburg

Morgan Eeman