Applied Genetics is directed at changing the genomes of organisms, to increase their utility to humans. Techniques are derived from cytogenetics, molecular biology, and Mendelian and quantitative genetics. Typically, applied geneticists have expertise in one or more related fields of study such as agronomy, biochemistry, botany, entomology, food processing, forestry, microbiology, pathology, physiology, and statistics. The goals of applied genetics include: 1) improving the quality of food and fiber products, 2) improving the cost efficiency of any given product, and 3) minimizing adverse environmental effects of food or fiber production.
Past thesis titles (examples):
- Barley genetics as a model for international cooperative research. Lauren Osburn. Mentor: Dr. Patrick Hays, Crop and Soil Sciences.
- Genetic Analysis of BYDV resistance and low temperature tolerance in Winter by Spring crosses. Jari VonZitzewitz. Mentor: Dr. Patrick Hayes, Crop and Soil Sciences.
- Understanding epistasis in linkage analysis: the Kap and lks2 loci in the Oregon Wolfe Barley population. Serena McCoy. Mentor: Dr. Oscar Riera-Lizarazu, Crop and Soil Sciences.
- A reassessment of the linkage of red leaf trait and incompatibility loci in hazelnut. Grey Horton. Mentor: Dr. Shawn Mehlenbacher, Horticulture.
- DNA mismatch repair and cancer; Identifying phenotypic consequences of hMLH1 mutations. Ben Nice. Mentor: Dr. Andrew Buermeyer, Environmental and Medical Toxicology.
- Studies on transgenic approach to decrease gliadin content in wheat. Shannon Bell, Mentor: Dr. Oscar Riera-Lizarazu, Crop and Soil Sciences.
