Telephone: (808) 956-7058
Fax: (808) 956-3894

email: ania@hawaii.edu

• Doctor of Philosophy, 1999. University of the Western Cape, South Africa
  
• Bachelor of Science, cum laude, 1994, Drexel University, Philadelphia
  
  

My research interests are broad, but I have an overall interest in the application of molecular techniques in understanding ecological processes, and using this approach to address applied ecological studies. My primary interests lie in the study of patterns of evolution and the processes underlying them. My research strategy involves examining these patterns and processes at a number of levels in the biological hierarchy (by comparing patterns between species to patterns at the intraspecific or population levels); thus gleaning information about evolution at different time scales.

I have extensive experience in molecular phylogenetics and population genetics techniques, across a wide range of taxa: e.g., salamanders, frogs, and plants. My objective is to use molecular techniques to address basic and applied ecological problems, while maintaining a basic interest in evolutionary aspects.

Since taking up my position at UH Mânoa, I have created an extension program to address the concerns of organizations and members of the public regarding the use of biotechnology in agriculture, as well as people interested in obtaining a greater understanding of this topic. To this end, I have organized a number of workshops and made presentations at a diverse spectrum of meetings. For more information on the Biotechnology and Agriculture Education Program, please go to: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/gmo

Dispersal and population genetics of invasive weeds: management implications

This project aims to develop a model describing the dispersal patterns of two invasive species in Hawai’i, and to extend this model to develop a management decision system for selecting appropriate management approaches to invasive weeds in Hawaii. This will be accomplished through the elucidation of dispersal patterns demonstrated during invasions of Hawai’i by Miconia calvescens and Pennisetum setaceum, two serious weeds with different dispersal ecology (active and passive respectively), using population genetics methods. Distribution of alleles (revealed as microsatellite DNA) will be used to infer extent of gene flow between populations, identify founder populations and geographic pattern of dispersal over time since introduction. The current distribution of the plants will be further analyzed in terms of habitat utilization using geographical information systems, superimposing dispersal data onto maps. This will allow estimates of dispersal rate into suitable habitats to be made, and will in turn be useful in determining appropriate management approaches, such as containment vs. eradication of founder sub-populations in an advancing dispersal front. It will be possible to determine whether either species underwent expansion in range by long-distance dispersal or by steadily advancing fronts. Either option would require a different management approach, and an understanding of this aspect will contribute to improving the utilization of resources dedicated to invasive weed management.

Landscape ecology and insecticide resistance management in Western flower thrips on Hawaiian floricultural and vegetable crops.

In collaboration with Dr. Mark Wright from the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawai’i I am working on population genetics and insecticide resistance management in Western flower thrips. Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a severe pest of many vegetable and ornamental crops in Hawai'i. It causes physical damage to crops, is a vector of a severe viral pathogen and poses a phytosanitary risk for export of produce. Resistance to insecticides in this species is a worldwide problem and managing this resistance is problematic. An understanding of movements of F. occidentalis among different crops and habitats will enhance our ability to effectively manage resistance, developing either area-wide or local management programs as appropriate. Addition benefits will include understanding how the thrips vector tomato spotted wilt virus among different crops and weeds. This project aims to elucidate thrips movements across landscapes, among different crops, weeds and natural habitats, using molecular methods. This will provide the first clear quantification of this aspect of the ecology of these pests, and stands to enhance their control significantly.

Identity and origins of apple snail pests

In collaboration with Dr. Robert Cowie from the Center for Conservation Research and Training, University of Hawai'i, we are using molecular phylogenetic techniques to distinguish the major taxa in the “Pomacea canaliculata group” of South American “apple snails” (the group that includes pest species). We are also trying to resolve the identity and geographic origins of the species of apple snails that have been introduced and have become major agricultural pests in Asia and Hawai’i and that threaten the mainland U.S.

Population genetics of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum).

This project was the focus of my first period of post-doctoral research when I was working with Dr. Kelly Zamudio at Cornell University. This project exposed me to the theory of population evolution and the methods required for its study. I addressed questions related to the inception of differentiation between populations. Specifically, I assessed the extent of gene flow between populations of salamanders, which breed in patchy habitats. Studies of salamander behavior suggest that they exhibit site-fidelity, returning to the same pond repeatedly for breeding. This behavior may result in population differentiation that could be of importance to the evolution and conservation of the species. I used microsatellite DNA studies to understand in detail the degree of differentiation among populations and the parameters that may contribute to the pattern. I examined patterns of gene flow arising from geographic analysis of gene trees, and the impact that dispersal may have on genetic diversification on A. maculatum. This work can enhance conservation programs of salamanders and of other amphibians by demonstrating the importance of habitat corridors to dispersal between breeding habitats.

Dispersal patterns and range expansion in Solidago sempervirens

For my second post-doctoral position, working with Dr. Monica Geber also at Cornell University, I focused on dispersal patterns and range expansion in Solidago sempervirens. This plant species is native to sand dunes along the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Since the 1970’s, this species has expanded its range inland as far as Great Lakes. In recent years the inland spread of S. sempervirens from coastal New England has been documented along highways. In this study we used microsatellite markers to infer the pattern of inland spread from coastal populations. Description and analysis of genetic variation allowed us to identify of the source populations and to describe the pattern of dispersal of S. sempervirens.

Biogeography and evolutionary history of Hyperolius species

My Ph.D. (supervisor Prof. Alan Channing, University of the Western Cape) dissertation work concentrated on evolution at the macroevolutionary scale, addressing the evolutionary and biogegraphical relationships within a diverse species-complex of African frogs, the Hyperolius viridiflavus “superspecies”, and the relationship between H. viridiflavus and other Hyperolius species. The taxonomy of the H. viridiflavus complex was not previously resolved due to dependence on the use of dorsal color patterns as taxonomic characters. Color patterns are highly polymorphic within these frogs, and show geographical as well non-geographical variation, where various color patterns may occur sympatrically. I investigated the taxonomy of members of the H. viridiflavus complex using molecular techniques (mtDNA sequence data) to reconstruct a phylogeny of this group of frogs. Applying the Phylogenetic Species Concept to smallest monophyletic clades supported by at least one fixed character, I was able to distinguish at least ten species within the H. viridiflavus superspecies complex. I furthermore reconstructed the phylogeny of other selected Hyperolius species, and used these results to interpret the historical biogeography of the genus in Africa. My results and synthesis suggest that expansion of savanna and reduction of lowland forest were important factors, particularly for the more phylogenetically basal species. The development of the Rift Valley in Africa played an important role in the speciation of more derived species. My doctoral research reassessed the number of species of Hyperolius in Africa, and resolved some long-standing taxonomic problems in the group. I provided a new understanding of the extent of the distribution of certain Hyperolius species, and of biogeographical elements influencing their current distributions. These are all valuable aspects for planning the management of conservation areas in Africa, where detailed information is often unavailable. With considerable ongoing destruction and fragmentation of natural habitat on that continent, understanding the distribution and taxonomy of organisms is of utmost importance in conservation planning; thus, elucidating the species richness within a previously unresolved group of taxa, stands to contribute significantly in terms of determining boundaries of conservation areas, and conservation needs outside of formal preserves.

Wieczorek, A.M. and Wright, M.G. 2003. Phytoplasma-induced witches' broom disease on Protea spp. (Proteaceae) and unique arthropod vectors determined by molecular techniques. Acta Horticulturae 602:161-166

Wieczorek, A.M. and Geber, M.A. 2002. Microsatellites for population genetics studies in Solidago sempervirens. Molecular Ecology Notes. 2: 554-556.

Wieczorek, A.M, Zamudio, KR. 2002. Microsatellites for studies of ecology, behavior, and evolution in spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum). Molecular Ecology Notes 2: 313-315.

Wieczorek, A.M., Drewes, R.C. and Channing, 2001. Phylogenetic relationship of the Hyperolius viridiflavus complex subspecies (anura: Hyperoliidae), and comments on taxonomic status. Amphibia-Reptilia 22:155-166.

Zamudio, K. R. and A. M. Wieczorek. 2000. Microsatellites for studies of ecology, behavior, and evolution in Yarrow's spiny lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii). Molecular Ecology 9: 1669-1671.

Wieczorek, A.M., Drewes, R.C. and Channing, A. 2000. Biogeography and evolutionary history of Hyperolius species: application of molecular phylogeny. Journal of Biogeography 27:1231-1243.

Wieczorek, A.M., Channing, A. and Drewes, R.C. 1998. A review of the taxonomy of the Hyperolius viridiflavus complex. The Herpetological Journal 8: 29-34.

Wieczorek, A.M. and Channing, A. 1997. The taxonomic status of Broadley's reed frog. African Journal of Herpetology 46: 110-116.

McCoy, M., Stavridi, E.S., Waterman, J.L.F., Wieczorek, A.M., Opella, S.J. and Halanozetis, T.D. 1997. Hydrophobic side-chain size is a determinant of the three-dimensional structure of the p53 oligomerization domain. EMBO Journal 16: 6230-6336.

Wieczorek, A.M., Waterman, J.F., Waterman, M.J.F. and Halanozetis, T.D. 1996. Structure-base rescue of common tumor-derived p53 mutants. Nature Medicine 2: 1143-1146.

Wieczorek, A.M., Dinter-Gottlieb, G. and Gottlieb,P. 1994. Evidence that total substitution of adenine with 7-deaxa-adenine in the HDV antigenic ribozyme changes the kinetics of RNA folding. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 4: 987-994.

Extension Publications:

Wieczorek, A.M. 2003. Use of biotechnology in agriculture: benefits and risks. Cooperative Extension Service Publication, CTAHR, BIO-3, pp. 6.

Fergusen, C.A., Chan-Halbrendt, C., Wieczorek, A.M. & Wen, N. 2002. Results from a Hawai'i opinion survey on genetically modified organisms. Cooperative Extension Service Publication, CTAHR, BIO-2, pp. 6.