Faculty

In the Hoang lab we are interested in understanding how cells change shape and move to physically mould an embryo into its final shape and form. We are also interested in how these mechanisms evolve and change to produce the morphological differences you see between different embryos. To study these questions we work with the model system, Drosophila melanogaster and other insects.

Philip Meneely has been working with C. elegans for more than 25 years, beginning when he was a graduate student. He currently works on genes affecting meiosis. He teaches genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

The Okeke lab studies interactions between Escherichia coli bacteria and their eukaryotic hosts. In particular, we study in the molecular basis for exceptional colonizing ability of some bacterial strains. We are also interested in the genetic basis for antimicrobial resistance.

We are interested in negative selection, a process that helps rid our immune system of autoreactive cells (in our case, T lymphocytes). Specifically, we want to understand why immature T cells die in response to T cell receptor signals and their mature descendants not only survive but divide in response to the same signal. This difference in cell fate underlies our ability to fend off infection without destroying our own cells.

The Grider lab is exploring how the nervous system grows and responds to injury. The ability to regenerate axons is highly dependent on the environment at, and distal to, the injury site. Using multiple model organisms, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms of axonal growth and regeneration, including the functions of extracellular matrix molecules and growth factors.