Biology Department photograph montage

Frank Cipriano

Faculty in Faculty, Marine Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Facilities Staff
Professor cipriano
Associate Research Professor and Director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Analysis Core
University of Arizona
At SFSU Since: 
1999
Office: 
Hensill 450
Office Hours: 
by appointment, morning usually best
Office Phone: 
(415) 338-3453
Specialties: 
Systematics, behavioral ecology, and conservation of Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises); Molecular forensics and species identification; Factors influencing evolution, diversification and speciation in marine ecosystems

Current projects:

Commerson's dolphin genetics, Argentina: A collaborative study with Argentine NGO Fundación Cethus documents genetic diversity in four presumed Commerson's dolphin subpopulations along the southern Argentina coastline, from Ría Deseado in the north to Ría Gallegos in the south, and focuses on the potential for depletion from fisheries "bycatch" in the southern area.
Dolphin and Whale Product Surveys, Japan: Since 1999, surveys of whale and dolphin products from commercial markets have been conducted in collaboration with UK NGOs WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) and EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency). A variety of products from markets and specialty stores across the country have been genetically identified to species and then subjected to pollutant analysis, and the results presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission and to the Japanese public.
Microbial Diversity/Identity Studies: Several collaborative studies have been conducted in order to genetically identify micro-organisms and assess the microbial diversity in environmental samples. These include analysis of the diversity and genealogical affinity of cyanobacterial communities in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans being studied in the Carpenter lab at the Romberg-Tiburon Center, and genetic identification of a unique pattern-forming Paenibacillus bacterium being studied in the Marquez-Magaña laboratory at SFSU.
Evolution of the Woody Irids, South Africa: An ongoing collaborative study with Martin Grantham (SFSU) and Carina Anttila (San Jose City college) is investigating evolutionary relationships among representatives of a rare South African group of irises.

The Genomics/Transcriptomics Analysis Core (GTAC) is a core molecular biology facility operated by the Department of Biology with support from COSE. The GTAC provides equipment and materials, hands-on experience and training, and an active research environment for 40 - 60 researchers each semester (not counting faculty advisers); an additional 20 or so users make more limited use of the facility or submit samples for sequencing. The GTAC supports faculty researchers, technicians, post-docs, and graduate students from Biology, plus additional investigators from Chemistry/Biochemistry, the Romberg-Tiburon Center, adjunct faculty from the California Academy of Sciences and their graduate students, investigators from other Cal State and UC institutions, and visiting researchers.