David Slaymaker
Professor • Department of
My research uses molecular approaches to study the genetic and genotypic diversity in natural and restored populations of Ammophila breviligulata (American Beachgrass) in New Jersey. After demonstrating high levels of genotypic diversity in foredune populations along the NJ coast (Slaymaker et al, 2015), my lab is now investigating the distribution of genotypic diversity along successional gradients, from fore-dune to rear-dune, to determine how diversity changes over time and in response to plant community development. The goal of this work is to inform best practices in beachgrass planting and restoration on the New Jersey shore and beyond.
Service/Administrative Experience
Director, MS Biotechnology Program (current).
Chairperson, Department of Biology.
Member, Department of Biology Executive Council.
Chair, University Faculty Range Adjustment Committee.
Chair, Middle States Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness Working Group.
Assessment Coordinator, College of Science and Health.
Member, Faculty Senate Executive Committee.
Member, Department of Biology Executive Counsel.
Chair and Member of multiple University, College, and Department level committees focusing on students and curriculum.
Professional Interests
Molecular population genetics of Ammophila breviligulata.
Molecular plant:pathogen interactions.
Plant cell & tissue culture.
Curriculum Development & Design.
Improving Student Teamwork Skills.
Degrees
Specialization
Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry
Representative Publications
Genetic Structure of Native and Restored Populations of American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata Fern.) along the New Jersey Coast;
Journal of Coastal Research;
Volume
Reduced Polysome Levels and Preferential Recruitment of a Defense Gene Transcript into Polysomes in Soybean Cells Treated with the Syringolide Elicitor;
Volume
Syringolide elicitor-induced oxidative burst and protein phosphorylation in soybean cells, and tentative identification of two affected phosphoproteins;
Volume
The tobacco salicylic acid-binding protein 3 (SABP) is the chloroplast carbonic anhydrase, which exhibits antioxidant activity and plays a role in the hypersensitive defense response.;
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America;
Volume
SA- and NO-mediated signaling in plant disease resistance;
Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions; ISMPMI Press;
2002
Notable Courses Taught
Human Biology: BIO1200
Field Biology: BIO1300
General Biology: Cell Molecular Genetics: BIO1630
General Genetics: BIO2060
General Botany: BIO3610
Undergraduate Readings in Biology: BIO4970
Undergraduate Independent Study: BIO4990
Cell & Tissue Culture: BIO4310/BIO5310
Protein Biochemistry: BIO6320
Project Management in Biotechnology: BIO6330
Graduate Independent Study: BIO7000
Graduate Independent Reading: BIO7010/7020