Getting involved in research as early in your time at MSU will allow you to not only get hands-on experience in a field that interests you but will also allow you to build a strong network.
Grant Bruninga
Zoology
Research Topic: Measuring the Genetic Diversity of Great Lakes Burbot (Lota Iota) using Microsatellite Genotyping and Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Graduation Year: 2025
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Research Poster Located in the Neighborhood Engagement Centers
Research Experience
Current Research
• Genomic Basis for Climate Change Adaptation in Lake Superior Brook Trout and Lake Trout
Previous Research
• Genetic Population Structure of Lake Herring Using Microsatellite Analysis
• Microsatellite Genotyping and Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Great Lakes Burbot
• Understanding California Mountain Lion Diet Through DNA Metabarcoding
Skills
• DNA Metabarcoding
• Sanger Sequencing
• Next-Generation Sequencing
• DNA extraction
• PCR
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Microsatellite Analysis
• Bioinformatic Pipelines in R
• Genetic Analysis Software (GeneMarker and ARLEQUIN)
Campus Involvement
• H-STAR Member
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Member
• Professorial Assistant
Post-Graduation Plans
• Graduate School to continue studying conservation genetics.
