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Office Hours:
Fall 2008:
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Or by appt.
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Vickie Backus
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Associate in Science Instruction
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McCardell Bicentennial Hall 432
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Phone: 802.443.5647
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Email: backus@middlebury.edu
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Degrees, Specializations & Interests:
Degrees:
Ph.D. University of Vermont 1992 (Zoology)
M.S. Brock University 1985 (Biological Sciences)
B. A. (Hon) McMaster University 1980 (Psychology)
Specialization:
Conservation Genetics
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Current Research Interests:
I am interested in the use of molecular genetic techniques to look at ecological and conservational problems. I am also working with Dr. Jeremy Ward on his current research.
Recent and Important Publications:
2006 Backus, V.L., C. DeHeer, and J.M. Herbers. Changes in movement and subdivision of Myrmica punctiventris (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) colonies in north temperate forests is related to a long–term shift in social organization. Insectes Sociaux. 53: 156–160.
2004 Foitzik, S. V.L. Backus, A. Trindl and J.M. Herbers. Ecology of Leptothorax ants: impact of food, nest sites and social parasites. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 55:484–493.
2001 DeHeer, C.J., V.L. Backus, and J.M. Herbers. Sociogenetic responses to ecological variation I the ant Myrmica punctiventris are context dependent. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 49:375-386
Recent Grants:
2004 NSF – MRI (RUI) grant by Jeremy Ward, Helen Young, Josh Kavalar, Vickie Backus. Acquisition of Sequencing and Genotyping Instrumentation for Research and Undergraduate Training at Middlebury College
2003 Faculty Professional Development Grant to travel to Ecological Society of America Meetings, Savannah, GA.