STEM Shoutout: Dr. Ellen Martinson

New professor in UNM Biology to begin new lab studying wasp venom next year

Dr. Ellen Martinson is joining the University of New Mexico Biology Department as an assistant professor in January 2020. 

“Overall, I just want to become a happy and productive member of the Biology department. I hope to do good research, develop a couple fun courses, and start some interesting collaborations,” Martinson said. 

Martison comes to UNM from the University of Georgia where she is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Strand Lab. Her research explores the question: How do organisms repurpose existing genes/pathways or acquire new tools to facilitate species interactions?

“Every organism on earth depends on interactions with other organisms to survive,” Martinson said. “Novel interactions often necessitate the creative use of existing pathways or the acquisition of new resources.”

At UNM, she will continue to conduct research looking at the evolution and function of venom in parasitoid wasps through her own lab, the Martinson Lab. 

“Parasitoid wasps are diverse and ecologically important insects that use venom to modify their insect host’s metabolism for the development of their offspring,” Martinson said.  “I am interested in understanding how venom proteins are recruited and evolve over time and revealing the mechanisms behind specific host modifications.”

Martinson’s husband, Dr. Vince Martinson, will also be joining her in the UNM Biology Department as an assistant professor in January. He will host his own lab researching the ecology, evolution and diversity of microbial communities using honey bees. 

Martinson said that she is excited for the collaborations and interrelations she can have with other scientists at UNM, but also looks forward to see what Albuquerque has to offer. 

“I can’t wait to get out and explore the area in and around Albuquerque to find the best hikes as well as the best food in town,” Martinson said.