UAF | UAMS
Mentors at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Faculty please note that this list of mentors is not exclusive. There are more potential mentors at the UA, Fayetteville campus. You may search the UAF web site and contact potential mentors yourself or seek assistance from Jerry Ware or Samantha Kendrick.
Undergraduate students applying to the INBRE Mentored Summer Research Program, please use the list of mentors below for your application.
| TItle | Mentor/ Department | Keywords | Description | Prerequisite Courses? | Bioinformatics Students? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biophysical and Biochemical Approaches to Study Ras-Related Protein Interactions | Paul D. Adams, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Cancer, COPD, RAS, Proteins | Our research interests are focused on understanding structure and function of Ras-related proteins involved in signal transduction processes involved in the onset of diseases such as cancer and COPD. The Ras proteins presently being studied in the laboratory include Cdc42 (Cell division cycle 42) and Rheb (Ras homology enriched in brain), both of which are involved in a wide range of cellular processes including cell cycle progression, cytoskeletal organization, protein trafficking, and secretion. The goal of our research is to develop approaches to study molecular details of these proteins, and their interaction with effectors. We use several biophysical and biochemical techniques, including site-directed mutagenesis, multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy for use in protein structure determination as well as dynamics, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, protein expression and purification procedures, circular dichroism spectroscopy, structural analysis of proteins using molecular dynamics simulations in our approaches. Dr. Adams Website | None | Yes |
| Learning about genome structure, function, and evolution with data science | Rich Adams, PhD, Agricultural Statistics Laboratory | Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology | Big Data, Data Science, Machine Learning, Genomics, Bioinformatics | Ever wonder how Google learns your online shopping preferences? Our lab uses some of the same technology to learn about biology from “Big Data”. Specifically, we study fundamental questions about the origins and evolution of genome structure and function, and we develop new software to search for answers. We are actively recruiting undergraduate researchers interested in gaining training experience in many areas – from data science and machine learning, to genomics, bioinformatics, evolution and more. Recently, we’ve been interested in developing and applying new methods for understanding genomic ancestry and adaptation in several systems that have broad consequences for agriculture and global biodiversity. Further, we are exploring the application of machine learning to many fundamental questions in molecular evolution and predictive genomics. Students can choose from a variety of summer projects, and learn invaluable, marketable, and highly-transferable skillsets in programming, machine learning, data science, bioinformatics, and beyond! | None | Yes |
| Energy, Metabolism and Metabolic Health | Jamie I. Baum, PhD, Director, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science | Protein, Metabolism | Dr. Baum’s research addresses basic and applied research challenges related to dietary protein intake (e.g. protein source, quality, and quantity) and its impact on body composition, metabolism, sleep and well-being using a molecule-to-man approach. Project titles include: Determine the role of essential amino acids in prevention of skeletal muscle breakdown with age; Define the role of dietary protein in metabolic health in school-aged children; Define the role of skeletal muscle in regulation of appetite; Disseminate research findings through cooperative extension. | None | No |
| Nanoparticles Interact with Bacterial Cells | Jingyi Chen, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Infection, Bacteria | The antibiotic resistance becomes an imminent issue in the treatment of bacterial infections. Metal nanoparticles have been used as alternative antimicrobial agents. The most well-known example is the antimicrobial effect of metal nanoparticles. Studies have suggested serval antimicrobial mechanisms of metal nanoparticles including membrane damage, DNA condensation and malfunction, release of metal ions, free radical generations, and loss of ATP production; however, these findings were based on the ensemble measurements and the results remain controversial. We address the controversies by developing methodologies for studying individual biomolecules (i.e., proteins, DNA, and membrane lipids) with temporal and spatial resolutions in single live cells and by measuring the dependence of nanoparticles’ effectiveness on particle shapes and surface modifications. Dr. Chen’s Lab | None | Yes |
| Functional Optical Spectroscopy and Microscopy Imaging in Material and Biological Science | Bin Dong, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Imaging, Drug delivery | Our research team is interested in in-situ measurement of nanoscale dynamics in functional materials and biological systems by optical spectro-microscopy imaging methods. Our work enables us to better understand important processes such as receptor-mediated endocytosis, heterogeneous catalysis and structural, morphological changes in nanomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles, thin layered materials), etc. Understanding these processes will profoundly impact designing better drug delivery vehicles, catalysts, and functional materials. For more details, please visit us at Dong Lab. | None | Yes |
| Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of the Protein Complexes Functioning in Programmed Cell Death | Yuchun Du, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | Quantitative Proteomics, Proteins | Mass spectrometry based quantitative proteomics involves using stable isotope to differentially label proteins or peptides, and mass spectrometry to compare the relative abundance of the proteins in different samples. Research in Du laboratory focuses on using multidisciplinary approaches including techniques from quantitative proteomics, biochemistry and cell biology to identify and characterize protein complexes that play critical roles in programmed cell death. Dr. Yuchun Du Website | None | Yes |
| Studying Bacteria and Cancers by Synthetic Biology | Chenguang Fan, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Proteins, Cancer, Synthetic biology | The research interest in our group includes protein chemistry, bacterial pathogenesis, cancer biology, and synthetic biology. The major approach is to use genetic code expansion technique to incorporate noncanonical amino acids into proteins for different studies: 1) Protein chemistry: developing noncanonical amino acid incorporation systems for labeling proteins, studying post-translational modifications, and mapping protein-protein interaction networks. 2) Pathogen infections: applying the genetic code expansion technique in pathogens. Specific topics include studying effects of post-translational modifications in Salmonella toxicity, exploring host targets of Salmonella toxins, and designing small molecules to block Salmonella metabolic organelle functions. 3) Cancer biology: applying the genetic code expansion technique in cancer research, studying phosphorylation and acetylation identified in a variety of cancer cells. 4) Synthetic biology: utilizing naturally designed protein complexes in bacteria as nano-bioreactors for biofuel and chemical compound production. Fan Lab | None | Yes |
| Bioanalytical Chemistry on a Small Scale | Ingrid Fritsch, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Chemistry, Micro/nano structures | The unifying theme of our research program is the development of multifunctional, miniaturized analytical devices with integrated components on a single substrate. Such “labs-on-a-chip” have promise in revolutionizing sample preparation, chemical analysis, and chemical synthesis. A wide variety of applications are possible, including on-site analysis of environmental samples (e.g. cyanobacteria), analysis of key components in the body or body fluids (e.g. neurotransmitters), and synthesis and purification of materials (such as therapeutic peptides) on a small scale. To carry out this work, our activities are interdisciplinary in nature. We investigate chemistry in the limit of ultrasmall volumes (nanoliters to picoliters), near materials having ultrasmall features (submicron patterning), and with new approaches to manipulate liquids in an automated way (microfluidics). In addition, we study the means of interfacing inorganic electrodes and micro/nanostructures with assemblies of organic and biologically- important molecules. Computer simulations are used as a complementary tool to further investigate these systems. Fritsch Research Group | None | Yes |
| Molecular Biology of Plant Immunity | Fiona L. Goggin, PhD, Department of Entomology | Plant, Gene expression analysis | The Goggin laboratory uses molecular and genomic tools to study the mechanisms through which plants defend themselves against attack by insects and other herbivores. The ultimate goal of this work is to identify means of enhancing herbivore resistance in crop plants in order to reduce yield losses and pesticide usage. Our laboratory can offer training in standard techniques for gene expression analysis (eg. quantitative RT-PCR) as well as techniques to suppress expression of genes that have been selected for functional analysis (eg. virus-induced gene silencing). Plant Imaging Consortium | None | Yes |
| Carbon nanomaterial functionalization and applications | Maggie He, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have outstanding mechanical, electrical, optical, and biological properties. These unique properties have enabled various applications from electrode materials to sensors and biomedical devices. Functionalization plays an important role in tailoring these nanomaterials’ properties and functions through the anchoring of chemical groups, macromolecules, or biomolecules. Our research focuses on developing new methods for the functionalization of CNTs and graphene using organic chemistry and exploring their utility in material and biological applications. Because our research is interdisciplinary, students have the opportunity to learn diverse techniques in organic synthesis as well as materials characterization. He Group Website | None | Yes | |
| Using Chemical Ecology Tools to Understand Insect Behavior | Rupesh Kariyat. PhD, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology | The Kariyat lab in Entomology and Plant Pathology department at UA uses a combination of lab, green house, and field experiments to understand the behavior, growth, development, and dispersal of insect herbivores on economically important crops in Arkansas. We use chemical ecology tools (plant and animal volatiles, olfactometry), imaging (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and fitness assays in the lab to answer these questions. We are also exploring the use of plant secondary metabolites as a sustainable pest management strategy in field crops. For more details, see Kariyat Lab website | None | No | |
| Investigation into molecular and biochemical plant-nematode interactions | Joanna Kud, PhD, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology | Our lab focuses on studying molecular and biochemical interactions between plants and nematodes. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the virulence strategies employed by plant-parasitic nematodes to successfully invade their hosts. Through the use of molecular, biochemical, and genetic approaches, we investigate nematode parasitic behavior in response to chemical cues from various hosts, the mechanisms behind the nematodes’ ability to adapt and break down existing host resistance over time, and the biological relevance of nematode effector proteins used to suppress plant immunity. Our primary focus is on plant-parasitic nematodes that are relevant to soybean and cotton production, including cyst nematodes, reniform nematodes, and root-knot nematodes. | None | Yes | |
| Causes and Consequences of Developmental Plasticity | Nicholas Levis, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | Environment, Polyphenism, Genetics, Biodiversity | The Levis Lab strives to understand how genes and environment influence phenotype production by investigating the developmental, ecological, and evolutionary causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity. Specifically, we study resource polyphenism — the development of multiple, environmentally induced morphs that use different niches — because doing so acts as a nexus for integrating intra- and interspecific species interactions with molecular developmental mechanisms of plasticity. Our study of resource polyphenism includes the ecological, evolutionary, and molecular origins of novelty, diversity, and adaptation. By leveraging invertebrate and vertebrate systems, namely shark-tooth nematodes and spadefoot toad tadpoles, the lab pursues these topics in order to clarify how the environment working with genetics through development promotes and constrains biodiversity within and across generations. Our current foci include 1) uncovering plasticity’s molecular bases in a complex natural system, 2) determining how constraints of plasticity affect its evolution, and 3) clarifying how nongenetic inheritance influences the evolution of plasticity. Levis Lab Website | None | Yes |
| Regulation of Microbial Stress Responses | Jeff Lewis, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | Our lab focuses on the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of stress defense. All organisms experience environmental stress and must rapidly adapt to changing conditions. These stress responses are remarkably complex, coordinating multiple levels of sensing, signal transduction, and global regulatory networks. Thus, stress research feeds into nearly all aspects of cell biology, with implications for human disease, microbial pathogenesis, and the evolution of regulatory networks. Our group takes advantage of natural variation within wild microbial populations to perform comparative genomics of stress responses. We use this powerful approach, in combination with classical genetics and biochemistry, to identify and characterize novel stress regulatory pathways and mechanisms of stress defense. Lewis Lab Website | None | Yes | |
| Mechanisms of Candida Albicans Pathogenesis and the Development of Antifungal Therapeutics | David S. McNabb, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | The McNabb laboratory has two major areas of research: 1) to examine the mechanisms by which the CCAAT-binding factor regulates the expression of numerous genes involved in respiration, iron uptake and utilization, and the oxidative stress response in the human opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans; 2) to develop small peptides that display fungicidal activity and to dissect the mechanism(s)-of-action of these peptides with the long-term goal of identify novel therapeutics for treatment of fungal infections. Approaches include standard molecular genetic techniques, EMSAs to study protein-nucleic acid interactions, gene expression analysis via Northern blotting, RT-PCR and gene reporter assays, high-throughput screening of antifungal peptides, and minimum inhibitory concentration assays to quantify the fungicidal activity of peptides. Dr. McNabb Website | None | No | |
| Biomolecular Simulations | Mahmoud Moradi, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Research in Moradi Lab (Biomolecular Simulations Group) is centered around two inter-related questions: (i) how do proteins function by changing their conformation and undergoing concerted motions? and (ii) how can we simulate these functionally important conformational changes at an atomic level? We develop and employ various molecular dynamics based simulation techniques to tackle both problems. Answering these questions would shed light on the structure-function relationships in proteins, and could improve our understanding of disease at a molecular level. We are particularly interested in the study of large-scale conformational changes of proteins such as channels, transporters, membrane insertases, and viral fusion proteins including influenza hemagglutinin and coronavirus spike protein. Moradi Lab | No | Yes | |
| The Translational Biophotonics and Imaging for Clinicians | Timothy J. Muldoon, MD, PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering | We interested in creating novel technologies based on optical imaging or spectroscopic methods to aid clinicians in the diagnosis, management, or treatment of disease at the point-of-care. Our work is focused on developing new imaging techniques, methods, or devices, validating these technologies, and translating them to a clinical setting. Optical techniques offer great promise as point-of-care diagnostic tools. These optical tools can be used to probe tissue for early indicators of disease by examining a wide array of tissue metrics, from biochemical and cellular-level changes to architectural and extracellular matrix components. With the emergence and dissemination of highly sensitive detectors, light sources, imaging sensors and optical components, optical technologies as point-of-care clinical tools have become a potentially transformational field in the area of biomedicine. | None | Yes | |
| Nervous Systems Development | Nagayasu Nakanishi, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | The Nakanishi Lab employs comparative molecular genetics to find evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of how nervous systems develop and function in animals. We investigate these processes in Cnidaria – sea anemones and jellyfish in particular – which diverged from its sister group Bilateria (e.g. insects, worms and vertebrates) over 600 million years ago. Our research involves gene expression analyses, reverse genetics (using CRISPR-Cas9), embryology (descriptive morphology, cell-lineage tracing and tissue transplantation), and advanced microscopy (confocal and electron microscopy, and live-cell imaging). Nakanishi Lab We are currently interested in addressing questions such as the following: 1. How are neural differentiation and maintenance regulated? What are the molecular mechanisms? 2. What are the ancestral functions of nervous systems? In particular, what conserved roles do ancient neuropeptides have in the nervous systems? 3. How do jellyfish sensory organs develop? Are there conserved developmental genetic mechanisms for sensory structures across animals? | None | Yes | |
| Mitotic Chromosome Segregation in Yeast | Inés Pinto, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | The main goal of Dr. Pinto’s research is to understand how chromatin structure affects chromosome segregation. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used as a model system. This lower eukaryote offers the advantage of being amenable to many types of analyses, including cell biology, molecular genetics and biochemical techniques. A multi-disciplinary approach is used to investigate the role that chromatin plays in the basic process of cell division. Dr. Pinto Website | None | Yes | |
| Quantitative Biomarkers to Diagnose Disease or Trauma and Guide Therapies | Kyle P. Quinn, PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering | We are a multi-disciplinary research group at the University of Arkansas focused on developing quantitative biomarkers for non-invasive, real-time assessments of tissue structure and function to diagnose disease or trauma and guide therapies. Our research efforts span a wide range of biomedical applications, but we have a strong interest in skin wound healing. We are particularly interested in exploring the underlying mechanisms of impaired wound healing through integrative optical and mechanical analysis. To investigate the different dynamic processes involved in skin aging, disease, and tissue repair, we utilize label-free multiphoton microscopy and advanced image processing algorithms. Through the use of these technologies, we can obtain quantitative readouts from three-dimensional images of live cells and tissue at the microscale without the need for fixation, mechanical sectioning, or staining. Quinn Lab | None | Yes | |
| Optical Imaging to Identify Patients with Radiation or Chemoresistant Tumors | Narasimhan Rajaram, PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering | The primary focus of our lab is the development of quantitative optical imaging technologies and biomarkers to identify cancer patients who would benefit the most from therapy. Research in the lab is divided into three specific areas – instrument development, basic science investigations in cells and pre-clinical animal models, and clinical studies in patients and excised patient samples. We use multiphoton microscopy of endogenous metabolic fluorophores, diffuse optical spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to conduct these investigations. Our recent work using two-photon microscopy of endogenous metabolic fluorophores has identified metabolic reprogramming as a significant driver of radiation resistance. Ongoing work using optical spectroscopy has also identified differences in tumor oxygenation, collagen, and lipid content between resistant and sensitive tumors. The biomarkers identified through these studies will lead to the development and optimization of spectroscopy and imaging techniques that can be applied to patients directly or on excised patient tumors. Dr. Rajaram Website Collaborators: Ruud P.M. Dings, PhD and Robert J. Griffin, PhD (UAMS), Ishan Barman, PhD (Johns Hopkins University) | None | Yes | |
| Systems Biology Modeling for Personalized Medicine Predictions | Williams Richardson, PhD, Department of Chemical Engineering | By integrating computational modeling, data science, and in vitro screening tools, my lab’s mission is to engineer personalized medicine approaches for combatting cardiac disease. Our interdisciplinary group is building computational models of biochemical reaction networks as well as experimental tissue culture bioreactors in order to better understand the bio-chemo-mechano-systems that regulate heart tissue structure. Current projects in the lab include (1) plugging patient-specific biomarkers into computer algorithms to identify heart failure risk, and (2) culturing patient cells in 3D miniature cardiac tissues to identify new therapeutic drug combinations. | None | Yes | |
| 3-Dimensional Structural Analysis of Protein-Ligand Complexes | Joshua Sakon, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Detailed structural studies of medically relevant proteins can reveal subtle features concerning the interaction of the protein and its binding partners. From this information, lead compounds may be developed using structure-based drug design methodology. Techniques include protein isolation, protein crystallization and structural characterization using x-ray crystallography. Dr. Sakon Website | None | Yes | |
| In Vivo Microdialysis Sampling Studies for Monitoring Signaling Molecules | Julie Stenken, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Chemical Biology | Our bioanalytical chemistry laboratory focuses on making direct measurements as well as improving the ability to make measurements within awake and freely moving mammalian systems. Microdialysis sampling is a widely used and successful sample collection method to obtain analytically-clean samples from very complex matrices such as mammalian tissues, bioreactors, or environmental samples. There are numerous potential projects that could be tailored for students and faculty within the Arkansas INBRE program. Our current major focus has been aimed towards improving peptide and protein sampling using the microdialysis sampling approach. Systems of interest include: 1. Detection of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in situ within wound sites. 2. Modulation of cytokines and MMPs during wound healing. 3. Measurement of neuropeptides related to addiction. 4. Measurement of peptides and proteins (e.g., insulin, leptin) related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Common analytical techniques frequently used in this laboratory include ELISA, HPLC, flow cytometry-based immunoassays, and mass spectrometry. | Freshman Chemistry | Yes | |
| Post-translation Oxidation and Effects on Protein Activity, Stability, and Structure | Wesley Stites, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | The leading cause of premature death in smokers is cardiovascular disease. Diabetics also suffer from increased cardiovascular disease. This results, in part, from the hypercoagulable state associated with these conditions. However, the molecular cause(s) of the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and the prothrombotic state of smokers and diabetics remain unknown. It is well known that oxidative stress is increased in both conditions. More generally, aside from smoking, aging and diseases such as diabetes are also well known to be accompanied by oxidative stress and many complications of these conditions appear related to this stress. Oxidative stress has been shown to be linked to oxidation of methionine side chains in proteins to the sulfoxide form. Methionine sulfoxide formation has also been shown to affect the biological activity of proteins in blood coagulation and may be a general regulatory mechanism. However, no systematic effort has been made to survey the human proteome for this oxidative modification nor to determine how it changes with age, disease state, or smoking status. This is, in part, due to the fact that it is fairly difficult to detect this modification. We have established methods to screen for this modification and are building a database of proteins more oxidized in smokers than in non-smokers. We are also examining the effects on this modification on enzymatic activity. Dr. Stites Website | None | Yes | |
| Glycosidase Mechanisms, Structure and Function | Susanne Striegler, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | The prevalence of glycoside hydrolases in progression and pathology of multiple diseases marks these enzymes as frequent targets during drug development. Glycosides are crucial in many cell-to-cell recognitions including bacterial and viral infections, fertilization, and disease recognition. The complex interactions of glycosides with protein receptors or hydrolases are important for the understanding of underlying recognition processes. Along these lines, we examined galactonoamidines as transition state analogs of beta-galactosidases to elucidate important binding interactions in the active sites, enzyme conformations that support inhibitor binding and the role of proton donors and nucleophiles. In this project we use biochemical methods for protein expression and purification, spectroscopic evaluation of enzyme function and structure that are supported by molecular docking and modeling studies. Dr. Striegler Website | None | No | |
| Structure, Function and Interactions of Cytokines | Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | My research group is focused on understanding the structure, function, folding and interaction(s) of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Using protein engineering techniques, we are currently engaged in developing a new class of FGFs which have higher thermal stability and enhanced wound healing activity. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of the FGF receptor(s) are being investigated. Another focus of my research group is to decipher the molecular events involved in the endoplasmic reticulum- Golgi independent, non-classical secretion of cytokines such as, FGF(s), vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukins. We are also actively working on in silico modeling of 3D structures of proteins and protein-ligand interactions. We use a wide array of structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology and computational techniques in our research. Dr. Thallapuranam Website | None | Yes | |
| Mechanisms of Ionic Regulation in Fishes | Christian K. Tipsmark, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | My laboratory studies the physiological mechanisms that allow fish to live in a particular environment and how the endocrine system controls acclimation processes when the surrounding conditions change. Our studies are integrative and we use a variety of approaches including: organismal and organ biology, histology and cell and molecular biology. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to develop a broad and deep perspective on the environmental physiology of fish. | None | Yes | |
| Computational Modeling of Chemical and Biophysical Systems | Feng “Seymour” Wang, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry | The Wang laboratory uses supercomputing resources to model interesting problems of chemical and biophysical significance. Projects include but not limited to materials under extreme conditions, crystallization of polymorphs, biomass conversion for sustainable energy, and physical properties of pharmaceutical compounds and small peptides. | Calculus I or equivalent | Yes | |
| Quantitative study of microbe-interaction with micro- and nano-structures | Yong Wang, PhD, Department of Physics | The Wang Laboratory aims to develop and use innovative biophysical tools and advanced imaging tools to solve biomedical and environmental problems by understanding the interactions of microbes (e.g., bacteria) with various structures at micro and nano scales. Quantitative data analysis based on computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms, as well as computational modeling are also exploited. Projects include, but not limited to, (1) cellular and molecular interactions of bacteria with metal nanoparticles and nanowires, (2) navigation of microbes through porous media and micro-scale mazes, and (3) controlling of microbes with electromagnetic fields. Lab Website: Dr. Wang’s Lab Website | Calculus I or equivalent | Yes | |
| Genetic basis of complex diseases and evolution of genetic novelty | Xuan Zhuang, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences | Research interests in the Zhuang Lab include Evolution of genetic novelty and diversity; Genetic basis of variation for complex traits and diseases; Molecular mechanisms of gene formation and gene loss. Investigations involve molecular evolution, quantitative genetics, genomics and bioinformatics, in model (fruit flies) and non-model organisms (polar fishes). Current efforts in our lab concern genetic basis of complex disease, and new gene and convergent genome evolution. Project 1: Decoding the Genetic Source of Variation in Complex Traits. Genetic architecture is essential for decoding the “black box” that lies between genotype and phenotype. Drosophila the fruit fly provides powerful tools for exploring genetic variation and the underlying mechanisms. One research direction in the Zhuang lab is to exploit the vast reservoir of natural variation in fruit flies for researching complex models of human disease (such as diabetes) and their interactions with environmental factors such as diet and drugs. Project 2: Deciphering the Genetic Basis of Novel Gene Evolution. The severe cold polar waters are natural laboratories where strong selective pressures have led to a number of remarkable evolutionary innovations. The fish fauna of these waters are thus literal swimming experiments to test the biological impacts of natural selections. Another research direction in the Zhuang lab will focus on investigating genomic signatures of this impact, looking to understand the roles of new gene formation and gene loss in adaptive evolution along with their roles in generating and maintaining biodiversity. Dr Zhuang’s Lab Website | None | Yes |