Dr. Susie M. Dunham                                                                                                                                   

Oregon State University

Department of Forest Science

3200 Jefferson Way

Corvallis OR 97331

541/737-8833

Susie.dunham@oregonstate.edu

 

Summary of Qualifications:

Nearly 15 years of accomplishments in molecular biology research and education including the following highlights:

  • Fourteen peer reviewed scientific publications.
  • Developed and delivered over ten different undergraduate and graduate-level courses covering diverse subjects in ecology and evolutionary biology.

 

Education:

2003                Doctor of Philosophy. Oregon State University, Corvallis. Dept. of Forest Science.

February          Dissertation Title: A Multi-scale Study of Genetic Variation in Chanterelles.

 

1996                Master of Science. University of Nevada, Reno. Dept. of Biology.

August Thesis title: A Phylogeny of Owls Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome-b Sequences.

 

1996                Master of Science. University of Nevada, Reno. Dept. of Secondary Education

August Thesis Title: Our Children’s Living Legacy: A Nevada-based Resource for Teaching

            High School Biology. (Concurrent with Above)

 

1989                Bachelor of Science. Radford University, Radford, VA. Dept. of Biology.

May                 Degree: General Biology.

 

Current Position:

5/06-present     Technical Writer/Editor. Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team. Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University

·        Responsible for technical writing and editing a diverse set of documents related to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. 

 

College Level Teaching Work Experience

3/06-6/06         Visiting Professor. Oregon State University. Dept. of Botany and Plant Path.

·        Developed and delivered all aspects of a lecture course in General Ecology.

 

9/01-6/04         Visiting Professor. Albertson College of Idaho, ID. Dept. of Biology.

·        Developed and delivered all aspects of courses in population biology, organismal biology, molecular genetics, introductory statistics and ornithology.

·        Organized, developed and co-instructed a 5-week upper division ecology course in coral reef ecology, subtropical ecology and Hawaiian Natural History. Fifteen students participated in the course and classes were held at off-campus field sites on Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

  • Participated departmental curriculum revision and yearly course schedule construction.
  • Advised four undergraduate honors theses and five independent study projects.

 

 

9/01-12/01       Instructor. Boise State University, ID. Dept. of Biology. 

  • Developed and delivered all aspects of a graduate-level course in biometry, including lectures and instruction in SAS statistical software applications.

 

9/96-4/97         Instructor. Linn-Benton Community College, OR. Dept. of Science and Technology.

  • Developed and delivered non-majors science courses on cell biology, genetics, and physiology.

 

1/97-4/97         Instructor. Lane Community College, OR. Dept. of Biology.

  • Developed and delivered a non-majors science course on human anatomy and physiology.

 

Natural Resources Research Work Experience:

9/04-4/05         Postdoctoral Research. Oregon State University. Dept. of Botany and Plant Path.

  • Designed and executed field sampling to determine the identity and frequency of occurrence of mat forming ectomycorrhizal fungi.
  • Characterized spatial patterns in soil microbial communities associated with mats formed by Piloderma species.
  • Characterized soil microbial communities associated with mats formed by Piloderma, Ramaria, Hysterangium, and Gautieria species.

 

8/04-9/05         Postdoctoral Research. Idaho State University. Biology Department.

  • Analyzed range-wide genetic variation in mountain quail using microsatellite markers.
  • Optimized microsatellite loci developed for other galliform birds for use in mountain quail.
  • Made recommendations on USFWS and Idaho Fish and Game reintroduction projects.

 

6/04-8/05         Postdoctoral Research. State University of NY. Dept. of Env. and Forestry Biology.

  • Designed and executed field sampling for study of bacterial communities associated with tuburculate mycorrhizae formed by Rhizopogon species and other ectomycorrhizal fungi.
  • Designed and executed field sampling for a comparative study of spore dispersal in two Rhizopogon species with different life history strategies.
  • Screened microsatellite loci and conducted analysis of fine-scale genetic structure within Rhizopogon populations

 

9/97-9/01         Graduate Research. Oregon State University. Dept. of Forest Science.

  • Coordinated with co-workers to set up a new molecular genetics lab facility.
  • Developed microsatellite primers used to investigate clone size of chanterelle species.
  • Compiled genetic and morphological evidence for the description of a new chanterelle species.
  • Described habitat associations of chanterelles using logistic regression analyses.

·        Investigated the genetic neighborhood sizes for three chanterelle species using spatial autocorrelation analysis of genetic data.

 

5/97-9/97         Biological Technician. USDA Forest Service. Pacific NW Forest Experiment Station.

·        Located historical collection sites for rare fungi throughout Washington, Oregon and Northern California from information available on museum labels.

  • Installed vegetation plots characterizing historical collection site microhabitats.

 

5/94-1/97         Research Assistant. University of Nevada, Reno. Biological Resources Research Center.

  • Organized, and implemented avian population ecology field research in central Nevada.

·        Trained and supervised undergraduate crews performing mist netting, color banding, growth measurements, and re-sighting surveys on multiple bird species.

  • Compiled data for relative extinction risk assessment of Nevada’s raptor populations.

 

1/94-8/96         Graduate Research. University of Nevada, Reno. Dept. of Biology.

  • Generated and analyzed a genetic (DNA sequence) data set designed to determine the phylogenetic relationships among owl genera and selected species in the genus Otus.

 

7/92-9/93         Graduate Research. University of Nevada, Reno. Dept. of Env. Resource Sciences.

  • Conducted field surveys of flammulated owl populations throughout Nevada's mountain ranges.
  • Summarized survey data and produced a detail range revision and conservation recommendations for flammulated owls in Nevada.

 

Contracts Awarded:

9/03-1/04         Scientific Consultant, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Experiment Station

  • Prioritization of Native Fish Passage Restoration Projects and Nonnative Fish Management Using a Decision Support Framework: A First Generation Model.

 

1/96-8/96         Scientific Consultant, Esse Films, Incline, NV.

  • Interpreted field footage and helped to incorporate information into scripts used in film production.
  • Reviewed and proofed film scripts used in the four-part Essence of Life Series. The series describes water / wildlife relationships in Nevada and wildlife / human conflicts surrounding the water resource. Distributed internationally by Hearst Entertainment.
  • Designed environmental education materials on water use in Nevada to accompany each film.

 

5/96-12/97       Environmental Education Consultant. E2: Environment and Education, Boulder, CO.

  • Identified in-service settings and conferences appropriate for E2 workshops.
  • Delivered 1 hr – 2 day teacher training workshops on conducting environmental audits.
  • Provided follow up support for teachers who utilized curriculum materials.

 

1/95-8/96         Environmental Education Consultant. Biological Resources Research Center, NV.

  • Collaborators - Washoe County School District and Nevada state board of education.
  • Designed and distributed surveys to assess the environmental science curriculum needs of Nevada’s high school teachers.
  • Used survey results to develop a Nevada-based, environmental science curriculum including specific background information, lesson plans, and supporting materials.
  • Negotiated with University of Nevada Press to publish curriculum materials and make them available to teachers at the cost of printing.

 

Peer Reviewed Publications: Fungal Biology

Arora D, Dunham SM (In Prep) A new commercially valuable chanterelle Cantharellus californicus sp. nov. associated with live oak in California, USA

Dunham SM, Spatafora JW, Myrold D, Bottomley P (In Review) Diversity and community structure of mat-forming ectomycorrhizal fungi in old growth and rotation age stands of the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, Oregon, USA. Molecular Ecology

Dunham SM, O’Dell T, Molina R (2006) Predicting the occurrence of chanterelle (Cantharellus) species in Oregon’s central cascade mountains: the utility of stand age. Mycological Research (In Press).

Dunham SM, O’Dell T, Molina R (2006) Spatial autocorrelation analysis of within population genetic structure of Pacific Golden Chanterelles (Cantharellus formosus). Mycologia 98:250-259.

Kretzer AM, Dunham SM, Molina R, Spatafora JW. (2005) Patterns of vegetative growth and gene flow in Rhizopogon vinicolor and R. vesiculosus (Boletales, Basidiomycota). Molecular Ecology 14(8): 2259-2268.

Kretzer AM, Dunham SM, Molina R, and Spatafora JW. (2004) Microsatellite markers reveal below ground distribution of genets in two species of Rhizopogon forming tuberculate ectomycorrhizae on Douglas-fir. New Phytologist 161: 313-320.

Dunham SM, O’Dell T, Molina R (2003) Analysis of nrDNA sequences and microsatellite allele frequencies reveals a cryptic chanterelle species Cantharellus cascadensis sp. nov. from the Pacific Northwest. Mycological Research 107 (10): 1163-1177.

Dunham SM, Kretzer A, Pfrender M (2003) Characterization of the extent and distribution of Pacific golden chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus) individuals using co-dominant microsatellite loci. Molecular Ecology 12: 1607-1618.

Gulden G, Dunham SM, Stockman J. (2001) DNA studies in the Galerina marginata complex. Mycological Research 105(4): 432-440.

 

Peer Reviewed Publications: Avian Biology

Delehanty D, Dunham SM (In Prep) Range wide genetic variation in mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus): implications for conservation.

Warkentin IG, Reed JM, Dunham SM (2004) Offspring size as an index of habitat degradation. Ornithological Science. Ornithological Science 3: 145-153.

Warkentin IG, Reed JM, Dunham SM (2003) Nest site characteristics of American Robins (Turdus migratorius) breeding in desert riparian habitat. Wilson Bulletin 115: 16-23.

Dunham SM, Butcher L, Charlet DA, Reed JM. (1996) Breeding range and conservation of Flammulated owls (Otus flammeolus) in Nevada. Journal of Raptor Research, Vol. 30 (4): 189-193.

 

Peer Reviewed Publications: Reviews and Symposia

Haig SM, Beever E, Chambers SM, Draheim HM, Dugger BD, Dunham S, Elliott-Smith E, Fontaine J, Kesler DC, Knaus B, Lopes LF, Loschl P, Mullins TD, Sheffield LM. (2006) Taxonomic considerations in listing subspecies under the US endangered species act. Conservation Biology (In Press).

Molina R, O’Dell T, Dunham S, Pilz D. (1999) Biological diversity and ecosystem functions of forest soil fungi: Management and Implications. In Proceedings: Pacific Northwest Forest and Rangeland Soil Organism Symposium. Tech. Eds. R.T. Meurisse, W.G. Ypsilantis,.and C. Seybold. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service PNW GTR 461.

 

Peer Reviewed Publications: Books and Book Chapters

Molina R, Pilz D, Smith J, Dunham S, Dreisbach T, O’Dell T, Castellano M. (2001) Conservation and management of forest fungi in the Pacific Northwestern United States: An integrated ecosystem approach. In Fungal Conservation. Eds. D. Moore, M. Nauta, and M. Rotheroe. Cambridge University Press.

Dunham S. (1996) Our children’s living legacy: A Nevada-based resource for teaching high school biology. University of Nevada Press, Reno, NV.

 

Solicited Manuscript Reviews

Bioscience; Journal of Plant Disease; FEMS Microbiology Letters; Journal of Applied Ecology

Undergraduate Senior Thesis Advisees

2002 Erica Case. Biology Department. Albertson College of Idaho.

  • Habitat associations and feeding preferences of hummingbirds in Northern Colorado.

2003 Joanna Owen. Biology Department. Albertson College of Idaho.

  • Population structure and species concepts in the genus Primula in Southern Idaho.

2004 Amber Igoe. Biology Department. Albertson College of Idaho.

  • Aquatic microbial communities associated with the Snake river aquifer in Eastern Idaho

2005 Erica Swenson. Biology Department. Albertson College of Idaho.

  • Identification and characterization of a new chanterelle species associated with live oak in Northern California

 

Grants Received

2004     Range Wide Genetic Variation in Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus)                                $37,000

Academic Awards

2000    Forestry Graduate Fellowship. Oregon State University. College of Forestry.                 $1,000

2000    Robert I. Larus Travel Award                                                                                       $1,600

AAAS. 81st Annual National Meeting. San Francisco, CA.

2000    Laurence M. Klauber Award of Excellence                                                                       $250

            First Place Among Student Presentations.

AAAS. 81st Annual Meeting. Pacific Division. Ashland, OR.

1999    Fowells Family Fellowship. Oregon State University. College of Forestry.                        $3,000

1998    Schutz Family Fellowship. Oregon State University. College of Forestry.                          $2,000

1998        Student Award for International Travel                                                                            $1,500

Oregon State University. Dept. of Forest Science.

 

Invited University Colloquia and Meeting Presentations

2004 Idaho State University Departmental Seminar. Understanding the Ecology of Cryptic Organisms using Molecular Markers: A case study of PNW chanterelles.

2003 SYNY-ESF, Syracuse NY Departmental Seminar. Population Genetics, Systematics, and Habitat associations of Chanterelles in the Pacific Northwest.

2000 AAAS, Pacific Division, Ashland, OR. Use of Conservation Genetics in the Management of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi.

1998 International Conference on Mycorrhizae (ICOM) Uppsala, Sweden. Effect of Forest Stand Age on Clone Size of Chanterelles in Oregon’s Central Cascades.

 

Recent Scientific Meeting Presentations

2005 Dunham S & Spatafora J. Species diversity and encounter rates for mat forming ectomycorrhizal fungi in Douglas fir forests at the HJ Andrews experimental forest, Oregon, USA. Mycological Society of America, Hilo HI.

2005 Dunham S, Spatafora J, Kretzer A. The utility of genetic spatial autocorrelation analyses in fungal population biology. Mycological Society of America, Hilo HI.

2004 Kretzer AM, Dunham S, Molina R, Spatafora J. Molecular Ecology of Tuberculate Ectomycorrhizae: A Tripartite symbiosis? Mycological Society of America, Ashville NC.

2001 Dunham S, O’Dell T, and Molina R. Fine Scale Genetic Structure of the Pacific Golden Chanterelle, Cantharellus formosus. Society for Conservation Biology, Hilo, HI.

2001 Dunham S,  O’Dell T, and  Molina R. A New Species of Chanterelle Described from the Central Cascade Mountains of Oregon. AAAS, National Meeting, San Francisco, CA.

 

Reference Contact Information

Postdoctoral Supervisors

Dr. Annette Kretzer                                                      Dr. Joey Spatafora

SUNY-College of Env. Science and Forestry                Oregon State University

350 Illick Hall                                                               Dept. Botany and Plant Pathology

One Forestry Drive                                                       2082 Cordley Hall

Syracuse, NY 13210                                                    Corvallis, OR 97331

315 470 4825                                                              541 737 5304

kretzera@esf.edu                                                         spatafoj@science.oregonstate.edu

 

Dr. David Delehanty

Department of Biology

Idaho State University

Pocatello ID 83209

208 282 4532

deledavi@isu.edu

 

Ph.D Co-advisors

Dr. Randy Molina                                                         Dr. Thom O’Dell

USDA Forest Service                                                   2282 S. West Resource Blvd.

Pacific NW Research Station                                        Moab UT 84532

3200 SW Jefferson Way                                              435 719 2358

Corvallis OR 97331                                                     thom_odell@nps.gov

541 750 7391

rmolina@fs.fed.us

 

Undergraduate Teaching References

Dr. Don Mansfield                                                        Dr. Sara Heggland

Department of Biology                                                  Department of Biology

Albertson College of Idaho                                           Albertson College of Idaho

2112 Cleveland Blvd.                                                   2112 Cleveland Blvd.

Caldwell ID 83605                                                       Caldwell ID 83605

208 459 5287                                                              208 459 5063

dmansfield@albertson.edu                                            sheggland@albertson.edu