DNA damage repair and tolerance in fruit flies

When cells are copying their genomes, they occasionally have to deal with various types of DNA damage. Our lab is interested in the molecular mechanisms that cells use to either repair the damage, or to bypass the damage so that they can continue dividing. In particular, we study repair and bypass mechanisms that result in mutagenesis and contribute to disease and aging.

Students working on this project will gain experience working with Drosophila, one of the premiere genetic model systems that has been used in biological studies for over 125 years. They will learn how to plan and execute genetic crosses, and use molecular techniques to study DNA metabolism in different tissues and developmental stages of the fruit fly.

This opportunity is for students who are available for ~20 hours per week over a 10-12 week summer period. It is an unpaid internship opportunity. An opportunity to so some paid lab jobs (~5-10 hrs per week, in addition to the research) may be available. Eligible students can also apply for this opportunity through the VERSE program.