Christopher R. Lage

Dr. Christopher R. Lage is the Biology Program Coordinator and Professor of Biology at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). His research focuses on applying DNA technology to study wildlife and fisheries populations in Maine, emphasizing conservation genetics and molecular forensics for species management. He has collaborated with organizations like the Maine Warden Service to analyze poaching cases using genetic tools.

Education:

• B.S., University of Vermont, 1995
• M.S., University of Maine, 2000
• Ph.D., University of Maine, 2005

Research Interests: Dr. Lage investigates genetic diversity in species such as white-tailed deer, moose, Atlantic salmon, spiny dogfish sharks, and Savannah sparrows. His work addresses population dynamics, conservation strategies, and ecotoxicology. Upcoming projects include studies on white-throated sparrows and bumblebees. He has also explored functional genetics in zebrafish and mice as models for human disease.

Awards & Certifications:

• UMA Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award (2010)
• National Fish & Wildlife Forensic Laboratory certification through the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science (2010–present)

Advising & Grants: While no formal advisee names are listed, Dr. Lage has mentored students through undergraduate research initiatives, including projects presented at the Maine State House and Maine EPSCoR conferences. His work has been supported by grants and partnerships with institutions like the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.

Publications: His research spans topics including spiny dogfish population genetics, zebrafish immune system evolution, and arsenic’s impact on innate immunity. Recent efforts focus on temporal genetic variation in marine species and conservation genetics of endangered populations.