Genetics & Genomics

The Genetics and Genomics specialization provides rigorous training in the molecular and genetic analysis of fundamental molecular or cellular processes. As the broadest specialization in the department, Genetics and Genomics encompasses diverse, current research problems in a wide range of systems. We are particularly strong in the areas of cellular development, signal transduction, nucleic acid function, pathogenesis and genomics. Specific research topics in cellular development include Drosophila oocyte development, programmed cell death in Drosophila (Baehrecke), flower development in Arabidopsis (Liu) and proton and calcium pump structure and regulation in plants (Sze) Signal transduction research includes the ethylene-response pathway in Arabidopsis (Chang), chemotaxis in E. coli (Stewart) and host-pathogen recognition in fungi,bacteria and plants (Straney, Hutcheson, Culver). Research on nucleic acid function spans the areas of pre-mRNA splicing in Drosophila (Mount), and replication and expression of plant and human viral genomes (Simon, DeStefano). Research on pathogenesis mechanisms include fungal (Straney), bacterial (Hutcheson) and viral (Culver) plant pathogens, as well as the human pathogens N. gonorrhoeae (Stein, Song) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Gao). Genomics is used in many of these studies, but is a primary focus in the study of the molecular systematics of protists and molecular evolution of chloroplasts (Delwiche), evolution of pre-mRNA splicing signals (Mount) and Archaeal genes (DiRuggiero). For more detailed descriptions of individual faculty research interests, please click on the faculty links listed below.

The requirements for M.S. and Ph. D. students in the Molecular Genetics specialization are intended to ensure that students receive a broad background in molecular biology and molecular genetics, plus advanced training in their particular research area. Students are expected to develop not only technical expertise, but the critical thinking skills necessary for a rewarding career as an independent scientist. All M.S. and Ph.D. students in Molecular Genetics follow the first-year program including the core courses, lab rotations and seminars for all entering CBMG graduate students. An advisory committee, in consultation with the research advisor, then helps each student to choose the advanced courses that are appropriate for the student's research plans and career objectives. In addition to formal courses, the program provides opportunities for critical discussion of the scientific literature through seminar courses and journal clubs. For instance, research groups that utilize similar genetic approaches in eukaryotic model systems hold a monthly meeting called GEMS (= Genetics with Eukaryotic Model Systems), in which members present and discuss their research in an informal setting. Current GEMS participants are labs working with Drosophila melanogaster (Mount, Baehrecke, Wu (CAB)) and Arabidopsis thaliana (Liu, Chang).

Recent Ph.D. graduates have gone on to positions as postdoctoral researchers, faculty members and independent scientists in universities, biotechnology companies and government agencies. The Genetics & Genomics specialization is an integral part of the new graduate program of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG). Thus, all prospective students interested in Genetics & Genomics should fill out the application form by entering CBMG as the graduate program and Genetics & Genomics as the specialization.

Graduate Courses in Molecular Genetics

Graduate Faculty in Genetics & Genomics