Stephens Room, 3503 Thomas Hall OR Zoom

Multiplex CRISPR-Editing of Wood for Sustainable Production of Biomaterials Jack Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Director of Forest Biotechnology Group Website Abstract Wood is the most abundant carbon biomass on earth and the major source of sustainable green fibers and bioproducts. Globally, 315 gigatons of carbon are stored as wood, representing 57% of the biogenic…

Molecular mechanisms linking epigenetic changes to longevity Carlos Giovanni Silva-García, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry at Brown University Website | Twitter Abstract The last century marked a success for public health, defined by achieving a dramatic increase in human life expectancy. However, aging can be accelerated by several factors and, by itself,…

The causes and consequences of sexual selection Pavitra Muralidhar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Ecology & Evolution at University of Chicago Twitter (X) Abstract Sexual selection is a key evolutionary process that shapes patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation within populations and across taxa. I will discuss two projects that examine the causes and consequences of…

Inter-organ communication: uncovering molecular mechanisms that mediate adipose tissue control of oogenesis Alissa Richmond Armstrong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at University of South Carolina Twitter (X) Bio The Armstrong laboratory's overarching goal is to understand how communication with adipocytes coordinates the response of adult stem cell populations and their differentiating daughters to changes…

Rapidly evolving immune gene families in echinoderms Kate Buckley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Auburn University Twitter (X) Abstract Immune systems are responsible for mediating relationships between host cells and microbial life. This includes not only protection from harmful pathogens but also supporting the growth of a beneficial microbiota; the ability to differentiate among a vast…

Molecular and evolutionary processes generating variation in gene expression Patricia Wittkopp, Ph.D., Sally L. Allen Collegiate Professor and Arthur F Thurnau Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Twitter Abstract Genetic variation affecting gene expression is wide-spread within and among species. This variation reflects the combined actions of mutation introducing…

Cellular impacts of chromosomal aneuploidy in disease, aging, and evolution Audrey Gasch, Ph.D., Professor of Genetics, Director of the UW-Madison Center for Genomic Science Innovation Website | Twitter Abstract Aneuploidy, the state in which cells carry an abnormal number of one or more chromosomes, is associated with major defects during mammalian development. Yet aneuploidy is frequent in…

Cellular Control of Cranial Neural Tube Closure Eric Brooks, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Quantitative Developmental Biology at North Carolina State Website Abstract Failure in cranial neural tube closure is a common and lethal human structural birth defect. Cranial closure requires a dramatic inversion of tissue curvature of the initially outwardly convex neural folds, which drives…

To kick-off a new semester of the Genetics and Genomics Seminar series, we are inviting our cohorts of GGA students to give 5-minute Flash Talks about their research. Join us in Stephens Room (3503 Thomas Hall) to hear about the exciting, innovative research of the students of the GGA community. Immediately after the Flash Talks…

The Mysterious Case of The Weeping Peach & Other Fruitful Adventures into The Regulation of Plant Architecture Courtney Hollender, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Michigan State University Website | Twitter Abstract My research program is focused on answering fundamental questions about plant growth and development that are applicable to tree fruit production. Shoot architecture…

Applied genomics for disease management in vegetable crops Lina Quesada, Ph.D., Professor and University Faculty Scholar at NC State University Website | Twitter Abstract Pseudoperonospora cubensis, an obligate oomycete pathogen, causes cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) on a broad range of host plants including cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkin, and squash. In 2004, CDM re-emerged in the…