Rich Lawler rotated through the MSCG Center as part of his graduate training. During this time he learned various techniques pertaining to the study of “molecular ecology” including molecular cloning, nucleic acid extraction, PCR optimization for microsatellite loci, and automated sequencing.
His dissertation research focused on determining patterns of reproduction in a wild population of lemur Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi) in southwest Madagascar (see photo, below). His research combined genetic parentage analyses with information on anatomy, behavior, and demography, in order to discern the causes and consequences of differential reproductive success in a wild primate population. Dr. Lawler is now an Associate Professor of Anthropology at James Madison University. A complete description of his research program can be found at: http://www.propithecus-verreauxi.com
Publications:
Lawler RR. 2007. Fitness and extra-group reproduction in male Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus v. verreauxi). American Journal of Physical Anthropology 132: 267-277.
Lawler RR, Richard AF, Riley MA. 2005. Intrasexual selection in Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus v. verreauxi). Journal of Human Evolution. 48: 259-277.
Lawler RR, Richard AF, Riley MA. 2003. Genetic population structure of the white sifaka (Propithecus v. verreauxi) in southwest Madagascar. Molecular Ecology 12: 2307-2317.
Lawler RR, Richard AF, Riley MA. 2001. Isolation and screening of microsatellite loci in a wild lemur population (Propithecus v. verreauxi). American Journal of Primatology. 55: 253-259.