Research Interests:

We work on genomics and genetics in organisms ranging from bacteria, fruit files and mice to humans. We are particularly interested in gene expression and gene function in the nervous system, including normal development as well as dysfunctional states such as drug addiction, brain cancer, and stroke. Another area of interest is the evolution of the gene families - particularly gene families that play important roles in the nervous system, as well as the gene families that play important roles in microbial pathogenicity and biodefense. Techniques used in our lab include DNA microarray and RT-PCR gene expression analysis, human SNP analysis, DNA sequencing, computational analysis of molecular evolution, and genetic engineering of transgenic organisms.