My name is Christopher J. Gonzalez, and I am a Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology (MESB) program at the University of New Hampshire. This website is a means to share my passion for academic research and education with the general public, especially in the realms of genetics, evolution, and developmental biology.
Research Projects
The Evolution of Smell and Taste As diverse as animal life is, animals as diverse as humans, dogs, octopus, flies are all united in making use of taste and smell sensations. How exactly are we able to taste and smell? What genes are responsible for these senses, and how did they evolve?
The Evolution of Mayfly Body Plans There are more species of insects on Earth than any other group of animals, and they have an incredibly diverse array of shapes and forms. Mayflies are one unique group whose young have limb-like gills along their bodies. How did this body plan evolve? What genes are responsible?
Publications & Posters Communicating our research findings is an integral part of conducting good science. Here you can view publications and posters I’ve helped produce.
Education
Teaching Philosophy
A Teaching Philosophy statement is a way for academics to define what distinguishes them as teachers in their field. What is their approach to teaching? What ideals and beliefs define their approach? These are critical questions for every teacher to consider, and are addressed for me in this document.
Courses Taught Here you can find lists of the past and current courses I have taught, and what role I played in each.
Educational Resources
I am always looking for new ways to help students understand the material we cover in biology classes. Over the years I’ve created a number of visual graphics and written guides, which can be freely downloaded here.