A5065081894- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Innovative Teaching Methods
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Educational Strategies and Epistemologies
- MicroRNA in disease regulation
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- Science Education and Pedagogy
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction
- Career Development and Diversity
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
- Protein Structure and Dynamics
- Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
- Innovations in Educational Methods
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
- Pluripotent Stem Cells Research
- RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
- Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
- Autophagy in Disease and Therapy
- Cellular transport and secretion
- Calcium signaling and nucleotide metabolism
- Biochemical and Molecular Research
- Bioeconomy and Sustainability Development
University of California, Irvine
2014-2023
University of California, San Diego
2010-2014
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
2001-2009
Ackerman Institute for the Family
2004-2009
Reversible phosphoinositide phosphorylation provides a dynamic membrane code that balances opposing cell functions. However, in vivo regulatory relationships between specific kinases, phosphatases, and subpools are not clear. We identified myotubularin (mtm), Drosophila melanogaster MTM1/MTMR2 phosphatase, as necessary sufficient for immune protrusion formation recruitment to wounds. Mtm-mediated turnover of endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) pools generated by both class II...
Dynamic regulation of cell shape underlies many developmental and immune functions. Cortical remodeling is achieved under the central control Rho GTPase pathways that modulate an exquisite balance in dynamic assembly disassembly cytoskeleton focal adhesions. Macroautophagy (autophagy), associated with bulk cytoplasmic through lysosomal degradation, has clearly defined roles survival death. Moreover, it becoming apparent proteins, organelles, pathogens can be targeted for autophagic clearance...
Primary literature is essential for scientific communication and commonly utilized in undergraduate biology education. Despite this, there often little time spent training our students how to critically analyze a paper. To address we introduced primary module multiple upper-division laboratory courses. In this module, instructors conduct classroom discussions that dissect paper as researchers do. While previous work has identified interventions improve comprehension within single course,...
Studies have demonstrated that utilizing spacing (spreading out study sessions at regular intervals) and self-testing strategies are optimal for learning. While some applied work has examined the relationship between these on general academic achievement, there is still a need to explore how both related course-level learning outcomes. The goal of this was examine whether final course grade. Participants were asked report they utilized during course. We found no using However, significantly...
Undergraduate biology education is often viewed as being focused on memorization rather than development of students’ critical-thinking abilities. We speculated that open-note testing would be an easily implemented change emphasize higher-order thinking. As not commonly used in the biological sciences and literature its effects sparse, we performed a comprehensive analysis this intervention primary literature–based exam across three large-enrollment laboratory courses. Although students...
Prerequisites are embedded in most STEM curricula. However, the assumption that content presented these courses will improve learning later has not been verified. Because a direct comparison of performance between students with and without required prerequisites is logistically difficult to arrange randomized fashion, we developed novel familiarity scale, used this determine whether concepts introduced prerequisite course improved student (in two biology disciplines). Exam questions latter...
The Atg1 Ser/Thr kinase, although now a well-established regulator of autophagy, was first identified genetically in C. elegans as requirement for axonal elongation. However, possible connections between functions cellular morphogenesis and autophagy were previously unaddressed. In the recent paper highlighted this punctum, we reconciled these dual roles Atg1, demonstrating p62-mediated selective dynamic regulation cell shape, both fly mammalian macrophages, with effects on immune functions....
Author(s): Shaffer, Justin F; Schriner, Samuel E; Loudon, Catherine; Dacanay, Samantha J; Alam, Usman; Dang, Jennifer V; Aguilar-Roca, Nancy; Kadandale, Pavan; Sato, Brian K
The tragic murder of Mr. George Floyd brought to the head long-standing issues racial justice and equity in United States beyond. This prompted many institutions higher education, including professional organizations societies, engage long-overdue conversations about role scientific perpetuating racism. Similar societies organizations, Society for Advancement Biology Education Research (SABER), a leading international organization discipline-based biology education researchers, has long...
Abstract A large body of literature has established the benefits undergraduate research experiences via traditional apprenticeship model. More recently, several studies have shown that many these can be recapitulated in course‐based (CUREs) are more scalable and easier for students to participate in, compared apprenticeship‐based experiences. Many Biology curricula also incorporate laboratory courses, where learn use common techniques through guided exercises with known outcomes. Indeed,...
Quantitative data analysis skills are basic competencies students in a STEM field should master. In this article, we describe classroom activity using isolated figures from papers as simple exercise to practice skills. We call approach Just Figures. With technique, instructors find primary that address key concepts related several of their course learning objectives. These assigned homework prior class discussion. class, teach the lesson and include 10- 20-minute discussion assigned....
Having students work in small groups has been shown to promote better student outcomes, even large lecture classes. On an institutional scale, the creation of learning communities that span multiple classes also proven improve outcomes. Research both interventions can help narrow performance gaps are often observed for from certain demographic backgrounds. However, have their drawbacks. When used solely discussions class, rarely continue working together outside intentional manner. Grading...
Abstract Background Genetic deletions or deficiencies have been used for gene mapping and discovery in various organisms, ranging from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans all way to humans. One problem with large is determination of location their breakpoints. This exacerbated case complex that delete a region genome, while retaining some intervening sequence. Previous methods, using genetic complementation cytology were hampered by low marker density consequently not very precise at...
Incorporating authentic research experiences into undergraduate labs, while shown to be particularly effective at engaging and retaining students in STEM majors, can difficult accomplish within the constraints of resource availability or cost, time limitations. One area that is amenable adaptation for lab classes discovery validation targets microRNAs (miRs). The human genome encodes several hundred, possibly thousand miRs, each which a 22 nucleotide long RNA molecule capable regulating...
ABSTRACT Repetitive elements, including LINE-1 (L1), comprise approximately half of the human genome. These elements can potentially destabilize genome by initiating their own replication and reintegration into new sites (retrotransposition). In somatic cells, transcription L1 are repressed distinct molecular mechanisms DNA methylation histone modifications to repress transcription. Under conditions hypomethylation ( e.g. in tumor cells) a window opportunity for de-repression arises...