Research

Interest

I am a molecular biologist with an interest in the regulation of gene expression. I have been studying mechanisms of gene regulation associated with highly conserved regions in the human genome. Using experimental and computational methods, I have demonstrated that this mechanism unexpectedly regulates gene expression by coupling alternative splicing and mRNA decay.

External Grants

I'm pleased to be granted a two-year, $35,000 Cottrell College Science Award for my project entitled, “Regulation of gene expression by coupling pre-mRNA splicing with RNA decay”. Ithaca College has provided over $10,000 in matching funds. The major goal of this research is to understand one of the most fundamental problems in molecular biology today: how do organisms regulate expression of their genetic material? I will be focusing on the role of pre-mRNA splicing in regulating this process. Because the regulation of splicing is essential for normal cellular function and its mis-regulation is often associated with disease, we expect that understanding the molecular mechanisms that control this pathway will have broad implications for the fields of chemistry, biology and human health.

Student Research

I take on students to work in my lab. If you interested in conducting research in my lab, then please click here.

I am pleased to announce the following:

Bonnie Marvin (Biology '12) is among the winners of the Whalen Symposium Awards for Outstanding Student Research. "Alterations of Gene Expression through Alternative Splicing Coupled to an mRNA Degradation Pathway"

• Bonnie's research is conducted under my guidance.