SROP Faculty Research Genetics - Graduate College

Interdisciplinary Studies—The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology was created in 1993, bringing together faculty from five departments that share a common interest in teaching students and performing research in I More...

Genetics

UI faculty research projects in Genetics currently available to SROP scholars. This list does not represent all faculty interested in being mentors. Please check the Genetics faculty website for additional research interests.

Gene Expression and Harmful Algal Bloom Dynamics

Principle Investigator	Debashish Bhattacharya, Associate Professor Department(s): Biological Science/ Evolution College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Interdisciplinary Program(s): Director, Genetics IDGP, Faculty, Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences IDGP, Roy J. Carver Center for Comparative Genomics; Adjunct Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Objectives	The major goal of this project is to generate both complete genome and '454' cDNA sequence data from different cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates to identify and characterize saxitoxin genes involved in paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Undergraduate Role	Learn and use bioinformatic (genomic) methods and basic molecular biology methods such as nucleic acid extraction and PCR.
Minimum Qualifications	Junior or senior in biology, computer science, or biochemistry with a background in molecular biology or programming/computational science.
Contact Information	319-335-1977 debashi-bhattacharya@uiowa.edu Professor Debashish Bhattacharya

Evolution of Genetic Variation

Principal Investigator	Lilach Hadany, Assistant Professor Department(s): Evolution, Biological Sciences College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Program(s): Genetics
Research Description	Studying the evolution of the mechanisms that generate variation, including recombination, sexual reproduction, mutation and migration. The role of stress in regulation genetic variation, and implications for genome structure and complex traits.
Undergraduate Role	Programming evolutionary simulations as part of an ongoing research project.
Minimum Qualifications	Good programming skills.
Contact Information	319-335-3669 lilach-hadany@uiowa.edu Lilach Hadany

Gene/Environment Studies of disorders of Newborn Infants

Principal Investigator	Jeff Murray, Professor Department(s): Genetics Interdisciplinary Program(s): , Pediatrics, Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Medicine
Assistant(s)	Adela Mansilla, Melanie Devore, Kathy Frees
Research Description	To identify factors that cause birth defects or prematurity using tools of genetics, molecular biology and epidemiology.
Undergraduate Role	Students will investigate a specific gene, gene family or environmental risk for either cleft lip and palate or prematurity. They will have the chance to attend clinical rounds to see the patient side of the work we do and to learn basic science lab approaches to gene/environment discovery. They will be paired with a senior graduate student or MD postdoctoral fellow.
Minimum Qualifications	High school biology
Contact Information	319-336-6897 jeff-murray@uiowa.edu Professor Jeff Murray

Physiological Genomics of Hypertension and Arteriosclerosis

Principal Investigator	Curt Sigmund, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	To gain an understanding of state-of-the-artr research methods for cardiovascular disease.
Undergraduate Role	To perform experiments in collaboration with graduate students and postdocs in the laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic biology but cell biology, molecular biology and physiology is also preferred.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-7604 (Email address) curt-sigmund@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Curt Sigmund

Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression

Principal Investigator	Lori L. Wallrath, Assistant Professor Department(s): Biochemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Genetics College of Medicine
Research Description	Determine the role chromatin structure plays in gene expression using the fruit fly, Diosophila, and breast cancer cells as model systems.
Undergraduate Role	Assist in experiments to understand how chromatin packaging influences gene expression.
Minimum Qualifications	General knowledge of biology. Classes in molecular biology and genetics helpful.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-7920 (Email address) lori-wallrath@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Lori L. Wallrath

Psychiatric Genetics

Principal Investigator	Thomas Wassink, Associate Professor Department(s): Genetics College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Psychiatry
Research Description	Identifying genes underlying susceptibility to schizophrenia and autism.
Undergraduate Role	Evaluating high-priority candidate disease genes. Analyzing micro-array data for copy number variation.
Minimum Qualifications	Science background, interest in genetics, interest in psychiatric disorders.
Contact Information	319-335-7743 thomas-wassink@uiowa.edu Professor Thomas Wassink

Exploring the Use of Cytophaga for Biofuel Production

Principal Investigator	David Weiss, Associate Professor Department(s): Genetics Interdisciplinary Program(s): Microbiology College of Medicine
Research Description	Learn about biofuels and what scientific advances are needed to make them a useful addition to our economy. the student will conduct experiments related to cellulose degradation by bacteria.
Undergraduate Role	Design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret the data. The student will work closely with a graduate student or post doctoral student mentor, but still be responsible for his/her own research.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic courses in biology and chemstry.
Contact Information	319-335-7785 david-weiss@uiowa.edu Professor David Weiss

Immunopathogenesis of Infection With the Protozoan Parasite, Leishmania chagasi

Principal Investigator	Mary E. Wilson, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Immunology. College of Medicine
Research Description	To study molecular factors governing expression of parasite antigens that interact with the mammalian immune system. To define the effects intracellular parasites on gene expression and functions of macrophages, the host cells in which leishmania reside. To study host genetic and immune factors determining the outcome of leishmania infection.
Undergraduate Role	Work with a senior member of the laboratory on one aspect of our research projects. The student will be expected to learn 1-2 biochemical or immunology techniques, and to produce publication quality results using this technique. He/she will be expected to understand the implication of this work in the context of the project.
Minimum Qualifications	Major in a biological science, with at least a B average in this major.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-356-3169 (Email address) mary-wilson@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Mary E. Wilson