Poulakakis Nikolaos

Biography

2 . EDUCATION  1997: Biology B.Sc., Department of Biology, University of Crete.   200 0: Paleontology M.Sc., Department of Geology, University of Athens. Dissertation Title: “Molecular Phylogeny of the Extinct Pleistocene Dwarf Elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus falconeri from Tilos Island (Dodekanisa, Greece).” ï‚· 2005: Biology Ph.D, Department of Biology, University of Crete. Dissertation Title: “Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the wall - lizards Podarcis (Sauria: Lacertidae) in Greek area” (exact date of award: 27/01/2005). ï‚· 2005 - 2006: Postdoctoral Associate in the Molecular Systematics La b, Natural History Museum of the University of Crete. ï‚· 2007 - 2009 : Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Yale University. 3 . ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS: ï‚· 2005 - 2006 : Research Scientist . Natural History Museum, University o f Crete. ï‚· 2006 - 2007: Teaching Assistant (407/80) (equivalent to lecturer with tenure), Department of Biology, University of Crete (Sept. 2006 to Feb. 2007). ï‚· 2009 - 2015 : Assistant Professor in Biology De partment, University of Crete ï‚· 20 15 - today : Associate Professor in Biology Department, University of Crete ï‚· 20 16 - today : Director of the Natural History Museum of Crete , University of Crete 4 . EXCELLENCE AWARDS FE LLOWSHIPS ï‚· 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997: Academic Excellence Studentship (State Scholarships Foundation) for my undergraduate studi es in the Biology Department (University of Crete). ï‚· 1999: Academic Excellence Studentship (State Scholarships Foundation) during my graduate studies in the Geology Department of the University of Athens. ï‚· 2002 - 2003: Doctoral Fellowship from Bodossakis Found ation, Greece. ï‚· 2003 - 2004: Doctoral Fellowship from P. & M. Fyros Foundation, Greece. ï‚· 2002 - 2005: Doctoral Fellowship «Irakleitos: Operational Program for Education and Initial Vocational Training» (Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs). ï‚· 200 8: Award of Academy of Athens for my work on the phylogeny and systematics of pygmy elephantoids of Greece using ancient DNA techniques. 5 . T EACHING EXPERIENCE In the Department of Biology, where I am appointed as an Associate Professor, I participate in the teaching o f the following U ndergraduate courses: a) Introduction to Zoology (BIOL - 101) b) Laboratory Course in Introduction to Zoology (ΒΙΟΛ - 102) c) Evolutionary Ecology (BIOL - 471) d) Biogeography (BIOL - 313) e) Computational methods in Evolution (BIOL - 450)

Research Interest

Research interests: Our research interests are in the broad area of molecular systematics, phylogeny, and phylogeography, using modern and ancient DNA. Sequence data are rapidly becoming the characters of choice for reconstructing phylogenies, as well as for distinguishing the evolutionary forces acting at the DNA level. We are involved in studying micro-evolutionary mechanisms that generate diversity, identifying genes that are useful in phylogeny of several organisms(mainly vertebrates) and using neutral markers to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of organisms and infer current and historical population processes at various spatial and temporal scales. We are mainly question driven rather than organism bound. Thus, we have been working with a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, ranging from snails, isopods to frogs, lizards, birds and mammals. Additionally, much of our research also focuses on the using techniques suitable for the extraction of ancient DNA from fossil bones (especially large mammals of the Mediterranean region, such as elephants, deer, hippos) in order to re-evaluate the current taxonomic status of those species and to reconstruct their relationships with the modern relatives.