Dr. Leos Kral
Molecular Genetics
lkral@westga.edu
678-839-4023
Education
- Ph.D. in Genetics and Zoology from Michigan State University
- B.S. in Biology from York College of the City University of New York
Research Interests
Conservation genetics of fish species that are endemic to the Tallapoosa watershed in western Georgia. Specifically, the genetic structure of the Tallappoosa darter (Etheostoma tallapoosae) and the Tallapoosa shiner (Cyprinella gibbsi) populations is being determined. The aim of this research is to understand the geographic distribution of genetic diversity of these rare (though not yet endangered) species so that informed decisions can be made about conservation efforts. The population numbers of these species are low because of habitat degradation caused by impoundment, channelization, and excessive sediment deposition due to human population growth and increased land development.
Web Sites 
- http://www.westga.edu/~lkral
- http://www.dartergenomics.org/ (http://www.westga.edu/~lkral/dartergenomics)
- http://www.westga.edu/~lkral/prtsynth
Courses Taught
- BIOL 1010 Fundamentals of Biology
- BIOL 2134 Molecular Cell Biology
- BIOL 2120 Biological Computer Applications
- BIOL 3621 Genetics and Medical Genetics
- BIOL 4631 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics
- BIOL 6985 Chromatin Structure and Function
Selected Publications
- Brogdon, S.M., Tabit, C.R., Kral, L.G. (2003) Population structure of the Tallapoosa darter (Etheostoma tallaposae). Southeastern Naturalist 2(4): 487-498.
- Connelly, H.M., Tabit, C.R., Kral, L.G. (2006) Population structure of the Tallapoosa shiner (Cyprinella gibbsi) and the Tallapoosa darter (Etheostoma tallaposae). Southeastern Naturalist (in press).