Steve Daggett, Ph.D.
Professor, Biology
816-501-3654
Stephen.Daggett@Avila.edu

I received my B.A. in Biology from Oberlin College in 1985 and my Ph.D. in Biology in 1993, which coincides with my first year at Avila.   My doctoral work focused on the evolutionary genetics of the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans.  While I still retain an interest in molds, most of the research that I work on with students uses Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a single-celled green alga.

I've found Chlamydomonas is a useful tool for addressing a number of questions in biology including genetics, photosynthesis, development, ecology, and evolution.  Students who have worked with me have done research on flagellar growth, matings with various mutants, antibiotic resistance, and circadian rhythms.

My teaching duties include microbiology, genetics, immunology, botany, and general biology.  My philosophy of undergraduate teaching involves providing students with a broad enough knowledge base that will allow them to "do biology" or view the world from a biologist's perspective.  I believe this must involve a good bit of hands-on experience, not to mention considerable reading.   I have been fortunate enough to teach majors and non-majors.  It is especially pleasing when a non-major grasps fundamental biological concepts and expresses an interest in pursuing further study.

In my spare (?) time, I enjoy cooking, movies, reading, and fishing.  I also enjoy socializing with friends and colleagues, not to mention with my wife, Melissa, and our canine companion, Basil.

Presentations/publications with Avila Students:

Daggett, S.S., Cikan, J.J., and C.R. Miller. 1997. Studies of a possible phytochrome system regulating the behavior of Chlamydomonas. American Society of Microbiology, Missouri Valley Branch Annual Meeting, Lawrence, KS

The Chlamydomonas Teaching Site

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