Our goal is to understand how cells, tissues and organisms survive exposure to high energy radiation such as X-rays. We are identifying and studying genes and chemical molecules that modulate the effects of radiation. Chemicals that modulate the effect of radiation have the potential to improve radiation therapy of cancer. We use Drosophila melanogaster_ fruit fly _ in our studies because it is a good model for human biology.
keywords
radiation biology of Drosophila and human cancer cells
BCHM 5821 - Special Topics in Signaling and Cell Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Lect. Reviews and evaluates literature on subjects of current interest in signal transduction transcription, cell cycle progression, and cell regulation. Primarily for graduate level presentation of special topics by students, faculty, and research staff. May be repeated up to 5 total credit hours. Department consent required. Formerly CHEM 5821.
MCDB 3145 - Cell Biology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Examines intracellular mechanisms, including transport of ions and small molecules across membranes; protein targeting to organelles; membrane trafficking between organelles; signal transduction; the cytoskeleton; and the cell cycle. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: MCDB 3140 concurrent with either this class or MCDB 3135.
MCDB 3700 - Poisons in Cell Biology and Society
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Investigate the inner workings of our cells by studying how poisons disrupt these processes. We will learn how selected poisons affect critical processes inside the cell to cause death or destruction. The scientific aspects of the poison will be discussed in the context of its historical significance or impact on society and popular culture.
MCDB 4980 - Honors Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.20.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCDB 6440 - Special Topics in MCD Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
MCDB 6441 - Faculty Res Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors.
MCDB 7910 - Seminar Practicum
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022
Designed for graduate students to give oral presentations on their thesis research, field questions, respond to critiques, and present background information. Students attend weekly seminar speaker presentations to gain knowledge on specialized research. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
