Richard L. Borowsky Professor of Biology Ph.D. 1969 (biology), M.Phil. 1967 (biology), Yale; B.A. 1964 (biology), Queens College. Office Address: New York University Department of Biology 1009 Silver Center 100 Washington Square East New York, NY 10003-6688 Email: Phone: (212) 998-8260 Fax: (212) 995-4015 List of Publications from Pubmed Personal Homepage

Research

The Cave Biology Research Group concentrates on the molecular evolution and genetics of cave fishes. Current projects include genomic mapping of the QTL (quantitative trait loci) responsible for developmental changes in eyes, pigmentation and metabolism in Astyanax cave fish from Mexico and molecular phylogenetic studies of the balitorid cave fishes of SE Asia. The laboratory also engages in an active program of field research, with current efforts in Thailand, Mexico and Brazil.

Teaching
The main teaching activity is the coordination of the undergraduate Principles of Biology course.

Areas of Research/Interest

The evolution and genetics of cave fish with an emphasis on understanding the molecular and developmental bases of adaptation and the "eyeless" condition.

External Affiliations

American Society of Human Genetics; Genetics Society of America; Society for the Study of Evolution; American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists; American Society of Naturalists; National Speleological Society; Sociedad Mexicana de Exploraciones Subterraneas (SMES); Fellow, The Explorers Club.

Fellowships/Honors

National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship; SFB Fellow, Theodor Boveri Institute, Würzburg, 1994.

Publications

• A novel role for Mc1r in the parallel evolution of depigmentation in independent populations of the cavefish Astyanax mexicanus.
  PLoS Genet
  Gross JB, Borowsky R, Tabin CJ