Samuel G. Obae, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology

Office: Kevin J. Manning Academic Center, S 112

Phone: 443-394-9792

Email: sobae@stevenson.edu

Education:

Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Sciences; West Virginia University

M.S. in Applied Ecology & Conservation Biology; Frostburg State University

B.S. in Botany and Chemistry; University of Nairobi

Research Interests

My research focuses on plant population genetics, conservation biology, molecular markers, and phytochemistry. Specifically, I investigate how various anthropogenic activities affect the genetics and population structure of high value medicinal plants and threatened species. Also, I research on how in vitro techniques can be utilized to produce valuable phytochemicals in order to reduce reliance on wild sources.

Courses Taught

Botany

General Biology 1 & 2

Environmental Soil Science

Environmental Chemistry Lab

Independent Research in Biology

Senior Internship/Research Capstone

New Student Seminar for the School of the Sciences

Publications

*Undergraduate mentee

1. Obae, S.G., M.H. Brand, B.A. Connolly, R. Beasley, and S. Lance. Microsatellite markers for Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) and their transferability to other Aronia species. HortScience [In press]

2. Lambert, K. A.* and S.G. Obae. 2016. Molecular characterization of Berberis thunbergii cultivars using microsatellite markers. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology, 91(2):156–160. [pdf]

3. Obae, S.G. and M.H. Brand. 2014. Analysis of ploidy, genetic diversity and speciation of the genus Aronia. HortScience 49(9): S247. [Abstr.]

4. Obae, S.G., B.A. Connolly, and M.H. Brand. 2013.  Genetic relationship among four Crocanthemum species (Cistaceae) revealed by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism markers. Journal of the Torrey Botanical 140(2): 170—180. [pdf]

5. Leonard, P.J., M.H. Brand, B.A. Connolly, and S.G. Obae. 2013.  Investigation of the origin of Aronia mitschurinii using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis. HortScience 48 (5): 520—524. [pdf[

6. Obae, S.G., M. H. Brand, and R.C. Kaitany. 2013.  Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism markers to confirm identity and correct labeling of Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) cultivars in the market. HortScience 48 (2): 150—157. [pdf]

7.  Allen, J.M, S.G. Obae, M.H. Brand, J.A. Silander, K.L. Jones, S.O. Nunziata, and S.L. Lance. 2012.  Development and characterization of microsatellites markers for Berberis thunbergii (Berberidaceae). American Journal of Botany 99 (5): e220—e222. [pdf]

8. Obae, S.G and T.P. West. 2012.  Nuclear DNA content and genome size of American ginseng. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 6(32):4719—4723. [pdf]

9. Obae, S.G and T.P. West. 2012.  Variation of ginsenosides profiles and content among root morphotypes of American ginseng: Economic implications for the grower. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 6(22): 3889—3897. [pdf]

10. Obae, S.G and T.P. West. 2011.  Effects of anthropogenic activities on genetic diversity and population structure of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) growing in West Virginia. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry 3 (9): 270—281. [pdf]

11. Obae, S.G, H. Klandorf, and T.P. West. 2011.  Growth characteristics and ginsenoside production of in vitro tissues of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.). HortScience 46 (8): 1136—1140. [pdf]

12. Obae, S.G and T.P. West. 2010.  Nuclear DNA content of Hydrastis canadensis and genome size stability of in vitro regenerated plantlets. Plant cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 102 (2): 259—263. [pdf]

Professional Affiliations

American Society for Horticultural Science                                      

Beta Beta Beta Honor Society

Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society

Golden Key International Honor Society 

Journal of Plant Studies, editorial board member

Sustainable Agriculture Research, editorial board member