Research

Cell Motility

Without cell migrations embryos could not develop, wounds would not heal and the nervous and immune systems could neither form nor function.

Castor (green), FasIII (red) and DAPI stained Drosophila ovariole

Stem Cell Biology and Cell Fate Diversification

The Drosophila ovary is composed of ovarioles, which are strings of developing egg chambers. Each ovariole (shown here) contains precisely two germline stem cells and precisely two somatic stem cells.

Deciphering mechanisms of stem cell preservation and lifespan extension

Important clues to human lifespan extension have come from studying the natural ability of simple animals to enter into long-lived, stress-resistant states. We have undertaken the first systematic genetic analysis of Drosophila diapause and are deciphering the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. We epect to uncover novel and general mechanisms of stem cell preservation, fertility maintenance, and lifespan extension.

Cell Survival by Anastasis

Cells face a continual struggle between life and death, fought at the biochemical level between pro-death and pro-survival stimuli. We recently discovered a surprising reversibility of the cell suicide process known as apoptosis.

Undergraduate Internships

If you are a UCSB undergraduate interested in a research internship in the lab, please note that the minimum requirements are insatiable curiosity, unbridled enthusiasm, dependability, sophomore status, a 3.5 GPA for science courses, availability to work 12 hours per week during the academic year and a commitment to 12 months in the lab, including the summer. This is what it takes for a meaningful research and training experience. Prior lab experience is a plus. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the online form.

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