Faculty and Staff

David Slaymaker

Professor • Department of Biology

Research Interests
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

PhD Genetics, University of California - Riverside ,

BS Horticulture Science, Kansas State University ,

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 31, 2015


Reduced Polysome Levels and Preferential Recruitment of a Defense Gene Transcript into Polysomes in Soybean Cells Treated with the Syringolide Elicitor; Volume Plant Science, vol. 170, 2006


Syringolide elicitor-induced oxidative burst and protein phosphorylation in soybean cells, and tentative identification of two affected phosphoproteins; Volume Plant Science, vol 166, 2004


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 99, Issue 18 2002


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

4055 Hennings Science East

By appointment