At present, I do not have a thesis project selected, however I am presently completing my first graduate rotation in a developmental biology lab. The lab focuses on the study of signal transduction and transcriptional mechanisms that pattern the vertebrate embryo. My interest is the expression of genes that guide germ layer formation fate: the transcription regulation of gene expression in early embryonic development and molecular mechanisms of pattern formation. I have always wondered how an organism can arise from an individual cell and find the different processes fascinating. The regulation of gene expression and transcription factors involved in germ layer formation, the initial step in the generation of the diverse cell types of the adult organism are areas I would like to learn more about. The different techniques used in these studies are also very appealing to me. Some of these include microarray screening, DNA-binding assays, microinjection, microsurgery, in-situ hybridization, antisense and dominant negative inhibition of gene function, and transgenics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM069003-02
Application #
6784203
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (29))
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2003-07-07
Project End
2007-07-06
Budget Start
2004-07-07
Budget End
2005-07-06
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$40,167
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104