Research Interests
Key words: Developmental genomics
Research in the lab focuses on how a single genome gives rise to a variety of cell types and body parts during development. We use Drosophila as a model organism to investigate (1) how transcription factors access DNA to regulate complex patterns of gene expression, and (2) how post-translational modification of histones contributes to maintenance of gene expression programs over time. We combine a range of approaches, including genomics (CUT&RUN, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq), genetics (transgenesis, CRISPR), microscopy, and biochemistry to address both of these questions. Defects in cell fate specification and maintenance of cell identity occur in most human diseases. A mechanistic understanding of normal development will shed light on how these processes go awry in disease.
Mentor Training:
- Bias 101
- Faculty Mentoring Workshop for Biomedical Researchers
- REI Racial Equity Workshop Phase 1
- Safe Zone
- TEAM ADVANCE
Training Program Affiliations:
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Biology
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
Publications
Dan McKay in UNC Genetics News
April 25, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications April 10th – 23rd, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 18 papers during April 10th – 23rd, 2022.
October 4, 2021
Department of Genetics Publications September 19th – October 2nd 2021
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 14 papers during September 19th – October 2nd 2021.
June 28, 2021
Department of Genetics Publications for June 13-26, 2021
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published twenty one papers during June 13-26, 2021.
October 5, 2020
Department of Genetics Publications for September 20 – October 3, 2020
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published seven papers during Sept. 20 – Oct. 3, 2020.
August 21, 2020
#BlackinGenetics Attracts National Attention
GMB student Alexis Stutzman and Markia Smith start a movement.
June 15, 2020
Department of Genetics Publications for May 31 – June 13, 2020
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published eleven papers during May 31 – June 13, 2020.
March 10, 2020
Department of Genetics Publications for Feb. 23 – March 7, 2020
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published fourteen papers during Feb. 23 – March 7, 2020.
September 9, 2019
Department of Genetics Publications for August 25 – September 7, 2019
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published four papers during Aug. 25 – Sept. 7, 2019.
July 8, 2019
Department of Genetics Publications for June 16-29, 2019
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published five papers during June 16-29, 2019.
May 6, 2019
Department of Genetics Publications from April 21-May 4, 2019
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published fourteen papers during April 21-May 4, 2019.
