Maria Gallegos, Ph.D. - Biological Sciences
Read More about Understanding the Genetics of Nervous System Development and Disease
Understanding the Genetics of Nervous System Development and Disease
We use a microscopic roundworm (C. elegans) to identify and characterize genes required for the development of this worm's simple nervous system. We test hypotheses using classical genetics, molecular biology, genome editing (CRISPR), and microscopy. Our hope is that the conserved genes we find function similarly in mammals (like ourselves) during development or within the context of injury or disease.
Fun Fact: While a pretty useless skill, I can say the alphabet backwards faster than I can say it forwards!