My research focuses on gaining insights into how photosynthetic microbes, specifically cyanobacteria, can be efficiently and economically harnessed as a platform for renewable resource generation. I am interested in determining how genome content and replication impact cyanobacterial physiology and in designing synthetic biology tools that can be introduced into these microbes to create finely tuned genetic circuits
MCDB 3010 - Undergraduate Teaching in Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
To address the need for more advanced and continued participation in course-based research, MCDB 3010 is designed to train students who have taken MCDB 1171 or MCDB 2171 or MCDB 4202 as teaching assistants. The aim is to enhance the students' experience and responsibilities in course-based research and to prepare them for research and mentorship in a departmental or graduate laboratory. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
MCDB 3140 - Cell Biology Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Provides laboratory experience using microscopy, bioinformatics, DNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis to study cell biology and gene expression in a model organism. Students will learn research skills such as interpreting data and planning experiments. Recommended corequisite: MCDB 3135 or MCDB 3145.
MCDB 4444 - Cellular Basis of Disease
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Explores the cellular basis of disease. Discusses diseases arising from defects in intracellular targeting, cytoskeletal function, intracellular signaling, genomic instability, gene regulation, cell proliferation, and cell death. Involves student-organized presentations and classroom discussion. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
