The Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award, funded by the Gruber Foundation and administered by the Genetics Society of America, supports women in the first one to three years of an independent faculty position doing genetics research in human and non-human mammals and in non-mammalian organisms. This award is only granted every three years; three women receive $75,000 each, over a three-year period ($25,000 per year). 

In 2022, three recipients were recognized for their scientific creativity, originality, and leadership in making new scientific discoveries: Aude Bernheim, PhD, of Pasteur Institute; Kara McKinley, PhD, of Harvard University; and Viviane Slon, PhD, of Tel Aviv University. We chatted with them to see how the award impacted their research journeys and careers and to hear about their experiences as women in science and why these types of awards are essential. 

Aude Bernheim

Aude is a geneticist interested in how bacteria fight off their viruses and how these immune mechanisms are conserved across domains of life. She leads a lab at the Pasteur Institute where she employs a wide range of disciplines mixing bioinformatics and experimental approaches including genomics, phylogenetics, bacterial genetics, phase biology, and more to research these topics. 

Having taken an unconventional path to becoming a biologist, studying not only the life sciences but economics and public policy, as described in the blog post published in 2022, Aude is no stranger to trying new things and taking chances. Her curiosity ultimately led her to heading a lab focused on exploring the diversity of anti-phage systems at different scales, from molecular mechanisms to large-scale evolutionary trends. Receiving the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award gave her the resources, recognition, and confidence to continue this work. She found the award a great boost for her career—the international recognition underscored the quality of her work, which allowed her to obtain additional funding to support her lab’s research and to establish herself as an expert on a national and international scale. True to her curious nature and passion for learning, Aude explained, “The funding allowed me to start risky projects that turned into major lines of research in the lab.” The lab used the funds to support activities like lab retreats and conferences that brought them closer together, which was key for improving communication and building trust, essential to conducting interdisciplinary research. 

On being a woman in the field, Aude shared, “Women were in the past, and still are, less credited for their science than men.” She explained that this and other obstacles systematically exclude women from scientific areas of research like genetics, but made a case for increasing diversity in the field saying, “Diversity of scientists is a major driver of scientific progress, as it is an incredible source of creativity and innovation. As such, we urgently need to support women to promote diversity.” 

Kara McKinley

Kara is an Assistant Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University and a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Her lab studies the biology of menstruation. She is also the founder of Leading Edge, which looks to improve gender diversity in biomedical research faculty. 

During her time studying cell division processes using live-cell microscopy and genetics and biochemistry techniques at the Whitehead Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kara fell in love with microscopy. When she was able to start her own lab, she wanted to focus on that drive and was very excited, but also felt great uncertainty–Kara recalled, “During the first few years, I was constantly swinging between: ‘I get to pursue the science of my dreams!’ and ‘What if I can’t deliver?’” Like Aude, Kara wanted to take risks to do great research, and she feels this award allowed her to do so, “It gave me a boost to take risks and push forward bravely. Now we really are pursuing science beyond my wildest dreams!” 

Throughout her career, but especially since founding Leading Edge, Kara has spent time with many extraordinary scientists who are women and other marginalized genders. She said, “Scientific innovation and the scientific ecosystem are better with them in it.” while stressing the need to do all we can to build a scientific infrastructure and community that is worthy of these talented individuals who are currently rising through PhD and postdoc ranks. 

Viviane Slon

Viviane is the head of the Historical and Prehistorical Genetics Laboratory at the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, at Tel Aviv University. 

In the 2022 profile, Viviane shared that her interest in prehistoric humans actually started in early childhood. Having a similar and essential quality to Aude—deep curiosity—and being born in a family of readers, Viviane felt the need to go “beyond books” and learn through hands-on experience, opting to conduct physical anthropology research and actively participating in excavations. Being awarded the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award allowed her to become an independent researcher and do the type of research that she is truly passionate about. “The recognition and financial support provided gave me the confidence to pursue a research path that has been a longstanding passion of mine–retracing the genetic history of the southern Levant through ancient DNA,” she explained. Viviane added that this type of research is challenging due to the difficulty of preserving ancient DNA in warm climates, which requires methodological advancements and extensive fieldwork. For this, you need teamwork, and this award allowed her to assemble a dedicated research group and establish fruitful collaborations nationally and internationally. “This support has been instrumental in advancing our research efforts and laying the groundwork for future discoveries,” she said as she expressed her gratitude. 

Further expounding on the importance of collaboration and championing women in science, like Kara, Viviane added that “supporting the development of women scientists in genetics is crucial because in addition to challenges inherent to an academic career, women often face additional societal pressures and obstacles.” Programs and awards like this one are key to building the confidence young women need to navigate the field and advance their careers. Over the past years, Viviane has felt incredibly fortunate to work with impressive and driven women scientists at all levels of their careers, as mentors, colleagues, and students. “The strength of women supporting, encouraging, and driving each other forward through challenges is a powerful force and, in my opinion, essential to nurture this network to ensure that future generations of women scientists can thrive,” she concluded. 

These three inspirational women in science used the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award to take risks in their careers, knowing that trying new things and innovating is what often produces groundbreaking discoveries. They also used the award to build a culture of inclusivity, to stress the importance of supporting brilliant and creative women in science, and to build each other up to continue paving the way for other women scientists to do the same. 

GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses.

The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation Program Director in Eukaryotic Genetics. Nasser was regarded by some as the “patron saint of real genetics,” shaping the field through more than two decades of leadership. She was especially supportive of young scientists, people who were beginning their careers, and those trying to open new areas of genetic inquiry. For more about Nasser, please see the tribute from Scott Hawley, published in the August 2001 issue of GENETICS.

Anush Chiappino-Pepe
Harvard Medical School

I work at the interface of synthetic biology and computational biology, decoding and expanding genome functions to introduce new chemistries in cells.

Brenda Cabrera Mendoza
Yale University

I study the biological and genetic factors that contribute to suicide and addictions.

McKenna Feltes
Johns Hopkins University

My research aims to identify new genes involved in lipoprotein synthesis to better understand how genetics contribute to the development of dyslipidemia—a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Leticia Magpali
Dalhousie University

My PhD research focuses on the evolution of acoustic genes and sounds of toothed whales.

Sylvia Durkin
University of California, Berkeley

My work focuses on how genetic changes and environmental conditions together contribute to thermally adaptive phenotypes in tropical and temperate house mice (Mus musculus domesticus).

Toheeb Oyerinde
University of Medical Sciences

I am studying how environmental exposure, specifically exposure to heavy metals, influences the genetics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder using C. elegans as a model organism.

Ben Hopkins
University of California, Davis

My work seeks to understand how evolutionary change at the cell type level drives the evolution of organ function.

Darren Lam
Stanford University

I am studying the mechanisms and evolutionary reasoning behind microbial cell death programs.

Austin Daigle
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

I study how natural selection, demographic history, and genome architecture shape genetic variation in natural populations.

Ayawovi Selom Ametepe
University of Arkansas

My PhD project focuses mainly on investigating the functional importance of structural domains in the Drosophila Robo3 axon guidance receptor.

GSA’s Starter Culture Microgrant Program provides up to $2,000 in funding to GSA members to support  new, impactful initiatives that will benefit the genetics community. This volunteer-driven program includes a quarterly proposal review process by the Microgrant Review Committee. 

What is the committee looking for? 

We fund small projects that can make a big difference to the genetics community. We get particularly excited by applications that come up with new ideas for community outreach. 

A variety of projects can be funded, including summer camps, virtual presentations, and scientific workshops. However, a key aspect to consider is their impact: We look for evidence that the initiative will be transformative at some level, be it by engaging with broad and diverse audiences or underrepresented groups in science, or by fulfilling an unmet need in the community. 

We also like to ensure that, regardless of the applicant’s career stage, there is a solid connection between their background and the initiative they propose, such as a bioinformatics professor proposing a bioinformatics bootcamp. It is also important that we are convinced that the microgrant budget is both adequate and needed to deliver the initiative.

What type of projects are we looking for?

We do not want to limit your creativity, so we encourage you to apply with any amazing ideas you have! Just remember: Your project should clearly respond to a community need, have a broad and far-reaching impact, and benefit as many scientists and communities as possible. 

One of the main criteria we evaluate is the impact your initiative will have on your community and assurance the audience covers a breadth of research areas, geographic regions, institution types, and other elements that foster a wide range of knowledge and expertise.  . We want to see projects that fulfill a need in your community or benefit the community at large, such as genetics-focused STEM fairs or similar events that help expand access to genetics knowledge, or seminar series open to all early career scientists at your institution and across several institutions. 

We are also eager to fund projects in areas with limited access to science resources and communication. Seminar series, lecture workshops, hands-on training workshops in developing fields such as bioinformatics, and science communication initiatives are great ideas for your project, especially if these activities would not occur without  funding from this program.

What details are needed?

When preparing your Starter Culture Microgrant proposal it is essential that you include detailed, precise, and relevant information to effectively communicate the merits and feasibility of your project. Here’s a breakdown of what to include to make your proposal stand out:

1. Clear and specific objectives:

Begin with a well-defined statement of your project’s goals. Clarify what the project aims to achieve, the expected impact, and ensure these objectives are measurable, achievable, and relevant – this helps the committee understand your vision and the structured planning behind it.

2. Detailed project plan:

Provide an in-depth description of the activities and methodologies your project will employ and include a timeline with key milestones and phases. For example, if you’re proposing a symposium, list the topics to be covered, types of sessions (e.g., workshops, keynote speeches), and the format of each session. Describe the selection criteria for speakers and how the event will offer novel insights compared to existing symposia. For another example, if your project is about providing education or training to your community, explain the curriculum or content and teaching methods to be used.

3. Rationale and need:

Explain the significance of your project by highlighting the specific issues or gaps your project addresses and why it is timely. Your rationale should connect with the broader goals of the Starter Culture Microgrant Program, demonstrating alignment with program objectives.

4. Target audience and beneficiaries: 

Identify the direct beneficiaries of your project, provide detailed demographic information, and describe how the project meets their needs. Discuss the expected changes or benefits for this group, emphasizing the direct impact of your initiative.

5. Outcomes, impact measurement, and evaluation plan:

Detail expected outcomes and how you will measure the project’s impact. Include specific metrics or indicators, such as participant feedback, post-event surveys, or measurable changes in participant knowledge. This section demonstrates your commitment and the anticipated impact of your project.

6. Support and collaboration:

Mention any additional support, such as co-sponsorships, partnerships, or endorsements from relevant organizations. If you have received or are seeking other grants, specify how these support your current proposal and demonstrate broader validation of your project, and why this particular grant is also needed for your initiative.

7. Detailed budget justification:

Provide a line-item budget where every expense is justified in relation to project activities. If you’re requesting funds for materials, specify quantities, costs per unit, and total cost. For example, if updating educational materials, provide a breakdown of costs involved in updating each set of slides or resources. If the budget includes stipends or honoraria, explain the rationale behind the amount and the responsibilities covered by these payments. This transparency enhances your proposal’s credibility.

Sample budget:

Let’s say your project is a hybrid genome engineering symposia. Your budget should include a breakdown of supplies needed, speaker travel reimbursements, printed marketing materials, and other costs you might incur: 

• $500 – Snacks and refreshments for 100 in-person participants 
• $280 – Invited speaker’s travel reimbursement  
• $200 – Print cost of posters, banners, and fliers  
• $980 – Total requested funding

8. Sustainability or future directions:

If your project is part of a larger initiative, describe how it will have an impact beyond the funding period. Discuss plans for scaling, potential future funding, or integration into broader practices, showing the long-term vision beyond the grant period.

Once you’re ready, use the Starter Culture Microgrant Application checklist to develop your application for submission. We’re excited to see the innovative ideas you’ll bring to the genetics community. Submit your proposal today! 

Hongyu Zhao
Senior Editor, Statistical Genetics and Genomics

Hongyu Zhao is the Ira V. Hiscock Professor of Biostatistics, Professor of Genetics, and Professor of Statistics and Data Science at Yale University. He received his BS in Probability and Statistics from Peking University in 1990 and PhD in Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1995. His research interests are the development and application of statistical methods in molecular biology, genetics, therapeutics, and precision medicine with a focus on genome-wide association studies, biobank analysis, and single cell analysis. He is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Statistical Association, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. He received the Mortimer Spiegelman Award for a top statistician in health statistics by the American Public Health Association and Pao-Lu Hsu Prize by the International Chinese Statistical Association.

Why publish in GENETICS?

A new associate editor is joining GENETICS in the Theoretical Population and Evolutionary Genetics section. We’re excited to welcome Sarah Otto to the editorial team.

Sarah Otto
Associate Editor

Sarah (Sally) Otto is a Killam University Professor at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on modelling how inheritance and reproductive systems evolve by investigating the selective forces acting on genetic systems (recombination, ploidy level, gene duplications) and mating strategies (sexual vs asexual reproduction, sexual selection, floral reproductive strategies).  Complementing this approach, Otto’s group tracks yeast as they evolve to test evolutionary theories. Recent work, both theoretical and experimental, has focused on evolutionary dynamics in a rapidly changing world. During the pandemic, she worked to clarify the impact of evolutionary changes on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and public health implications. With over 200 publications and a book, her awards include a MacArthur Fellowship, a Steacie Fellowship and Steacie Prize, and fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences. 

Congratulations to all!

Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia

My research is focused on understanding the mechanisms that regulate facultative heterochromatin in the model fungus Neurospora crassa.

Erika Kroll, Rothamsted Research

I use dual co-expression network analysis to model and subsequently validate genetic processes underlying the infection caused by the pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum in its host, wheat.

Anna Mackey, Duke University 

I study stress-induced transposon mobilization and genome evolution in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Halie Martin, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

My research focuses on diversity analyses to understand the impact that per- and polyfluorinated compounds have on microbe communities.

Shantala Mounichetty, INRAE

My research focuses on understanding the role of a Sclerotinia sclerotiorum gene regulator linking metabolism and virulence.

Sébastien Ortiz, The University of Manchester

I work on characterizing host-pathogen interactions between fungal spores and airway epithelial cells

Thomas Sauters, Vanderbilt University

I study non-pathogenic fungal genotypic and phenotypic variation revealing novel information about fungal virulence.

Alan Wanke, The Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU)

I study Mucoromycotina ‘Fine Root Endophytes’—a new window into the evolution of mycorrhizal symbioses.

Samantha González-Téllez, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California

My work is focused on elucidating the mechanisms of vesicular transport of chitosomes in Neurospora crassa.

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations.

Congratulations to all!

Faith Akoachere, Syracuse University

Functional characterization of systemic RNA interference in C. elegans

Allison Beachum, University of Virginia

Multiple glial subtypes interact and compensate for the loss of nearby glial function

Puja Biswas, University of British Columbia

Female specific increased Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway promotes increased body fat in Drosophila females than males

Marvin Cortez, Princeton University

Non-ciliary roles for the cilia-motility associated gene Cfap298 (Kurly) in zebrafish and mouse

Tristram Dodge, Stanford University

Ancient gene duplication and recent non-coding structural variation underpin pigmentation diversification in swordtail (Xiphophorus) fishes

Eduardo Gameiro, Institute for Molecular Biology

Genetic analysis of the yeast DNA damage response with a genome-wide inducible degron library

Artemiza Martinez, Lehigh University

Using experimental evolution of hybrid genomes to identify genetic incompatibilities in yeast

Shannon Pfeiffer, University of Delaware

Characterizing the effects of WEE-1.3 depletion on spermatogenesis in C. elegans

Victoria Placentra, Emory University

Homeostatic control of intestinal stem cell renewal by two transcriptional regulators

Rebecca Ray, Lake Forest College

Investigating the bidirectional relationship between traumatic brain injury and sleep homeostasis in D. melanogaster

Wyatt Toure, Columbia University

Genetic and molecular bases of hybrid dysgenesis in deer mice

Catherine Zhang, University of Toronto

Investigating the role of the Drosophila PI 4-kinase four wheel drive during spermatocyte cytokinesis

Honorable mentions:

• Cyril Anyetei-Anum
• Sayan Biswas
• Ryan Clough
• Elli Cryan
• Eloïse Duramé
• Yi Gao
• Lauren Hodkinson
• Dana Jackson
• Nicolas Lee
• Kayla Ly
• Jeffrey Matthew
• Colin Miller
• Xheni Mucelli
• Hannah Munby
• Sherif Negm
• Meri Nehlsen
• Mia Peifer
• Nathan Rather
• Susannah Schloss
• Colby Schweibenz
• Emma Steinson
• Rebeccah Stewart
• Karli Sunnergren
• Jennifer Viveiros
• Shane Warland

Advances in genome engineering are of broad interest (e.g., 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry); however, since they occur at a rapid pace, it’s difficult for scientists to stay up to date. Attending conferences is crucial for learning about cutting-edge advances, but accessibility barriers such as travel and registration costs exist. Additionally, while principal investigators are typically invited to give talks, the first author scientists who carry out the research are better suited to answer technical questions and would greatly benefit from presenting their work.

On November 30, 2023, Harvard Medical School hosted a hybrid symposium on recent advances in genome engineering, organized by three postdoctoral researchers: Justin Bosch, University of Utah; Joana Ferreira Da Silva, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; and Raghuvir Viswanatha, Harvard Medical School. Sponsored by a GSA Starter Culture Microgrant, this event brought together Boston-area scientists and virtual attendees to update them on recent genome engineering tools, to give early career scientists and first authors an opportunity to present their research, and to make these talks available free of charge to a worldwide audience.

The symposium featured keynote speakers Benjamin Kleinstiver, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Julia Joung, Whitehead Institute, along with presentations from nine PhD students and postdocs on their recently published work. The symposium was highly successful with approximately 200 in-person attendees, 385 virtual attendees, and more than 800 views of the recording across the globe. Positive feedback from attendees focused on the lack of fees, availability of a recording for those in distant time zones, and advertising through GSA. Critical feedback centered on a perceived preference for in-person attendee questions over virtual.

This symposium was the culmination of five years of grassroots efforts by Boston-area scientists to stay on top of cutting-edge genome engineering techniques. Originally organized as an in-person journal club at Harvard Medical School, the virtual Genome Engineering Seminar Series (GESS) was created to mitigate COVID-19 social distancing policies. GESS is a free weekly seminar in which first authors present their recent paper or manuscript live over Zoom. Running since 2021, GESS has had more than 100 speakers and over 3,000 cumulative attendees from more than 51 countries.

Additionally, GESS provides leadership opportunities for early career scientists as seminar organizers. The program was initially established by Justin Bosch and Tracy Zhang, and the current GESS organizers are Ferreira Da Silva, Viswanatha, Hassan Bukhari, and Nouraiz Ahmed.

By hosting the symposium both in person and via Zoom, we eliminated most expenses typically associated with registration and travel for attendees. Given Boston’s concentration of groups involved in the development of genome engineering methods, it was practical to extend invitations to local experts to present in person. Therefore, our symposium format greatly reduces barriers for scientists to both present and attend. We hope to make this symposium an annual event with its hybrid format serving as a model for other research areas.

You can learn more about GSA’s Starter Culture Microgrant Program on the GSA website. Applications for microgrants are accepted on a quarterly basis.

Putting the final touches on a paper? Submit your research to GENETICS or G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics before April 30, 2024 for a chance to publish for FREE!

Two winners will be randomly selected to receive:

• 100% Page Charge coverage or APC waiver in GENETICS or G3
• Free one-year GSA Membership in the appropriate category
• Genes to Genomes coverage

Submit before April 30, 2024 for your chance to win!

No purchase necessary. Purchase or payment will not increase your chances of winning. Winners will be chosen by random draw. The value of each prize pack will not exceed 5,000 USD. All completed initial submissions transmitted via eJournalPress to GENETICS or G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics between 12:00 a.m. EST, March 6, 2024 and 11:59 p.m. EDT, April 30, 2024 will be entered into the drawing. Winners will be informed via e-mail no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2024. Odds of winning will be determined by the number of entries. Winning a prize pack will not affect editorial or peer review of the submission and is not a guarantee of review or acceptance. GSA Membership will go to the primary corresponding author. If a submission chosen for a prize pack is not accepted for publication, the primary corresponding author may use their prize on a future submission and its relevant publication charges. All other transfer of prizes is prohibited. Sweepstakes run by the Genetics Society of America, 6120 Executive Blvd Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. Void where prohibited by law.

The Presidential Membership Initiative was launched in 2020 as a way for the Genetics Society of America to invite talented and creative individuals from diverse backgrounds into our community. We are pleased to introduce the next cohort of Presidential Members. Throughout 2024, they will network with one another and with other Society and Board members, participate in GSA Conferences, and be valued additions to our community. Welcome, Presidential Members!

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Kayla Ly

Undergraduate Student, University of California, Irvine
My research aims to discover novel genes contributing to transposable element-mediated heterochromatin formation in Drosophila melanogaster.

Kevin Sule

Postdoctoral Researcher, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
My research work aims to elucidate the mechanisms of nuclear envelope budding, which is an emerging nuclear export process for large macromolecular complexes. Using Drosophila as my model, I plan to uncover key players involved in the physical aspects of this pathway and its associated regulatory mechanisms.

Lexi Papamechail

Undergraduate Student, Bridgewater State University
I am investigating the interaction between the expression of Jasmonic acid in the mustard plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, and the infection of root knot nematodes. I also am investigating the impact of metal contamination and point in the growing season on the microbiome of Salicornia depressa.

Maksym Dankovskyy

Graduate Student, Arizona State University
Our lab focuses on tissue regeneration in Drosophila following necrotic wounding.

Miyauna Incarnato

Graduate Student, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
My research investigates how the interactions between climate change, predator-prey dynamics, and phenotypic evolution are vital for predicting the resilience of populations to shifting climatic variables and building models to also predict these shifts. By using Paramecium caudatum and their two nuclei, I am investigating these variables by testing for genetic variation in trait plasticity in response to temperature across genetically diverse lineages in the presence and absence of predators, assess whether genomic plasticity via changes in copy number of loci during macronuclear formation underlies adaptive trait plasticity, and evaluating if including trait plasticity improves our temperature predictive models of trait evolution to climate change.

Nikita Divekar

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California, Berkeley
I aim to discover factors required for heritable epigenetic silencing in human cells through CRISPR Screens, and further expand on these studies to build novel epigenetic editors.

Stephan Baehr

Postdoctoral Researcher, Arizona State University
I study mutations of many flavors: DNA, RNA, and epigenetic. I seek to quantify their importance to things like the biology of aging and CRISPR genome editing.

Tamsen Dunn

Graduate Student, San Diego State University
I develop new computational methods for the study of polyploidy and evolution.

Toheed Olalekan Oyerinde

Graduate Student, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
I study gene-environment interactions in brain disorders and the role for metal neurotoxicity.

Trevor Mugoya

Graduate Student, San Diego State University
I study the development of reproducible Snakemake pipelines for the genomics of the domestication of hops.

Xinmi Zhang

Postdoctoral Researcher, Scripps College
I am working on understanding the mechanism of a selfish B chromosome called Paternal Sex Ratio (PSR), which can cause paternal genome elimination in the early embryo of the parasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, turning the diploid female into the haploid male. I did time series RNA-sequencing at different stage of wasp development to find the expression pattern of wasp normal genes and PSR genes.

Not pictured:

Camryn Schmelzer
Damilola Oloyede
Jasmine Xi
Jordan Hieronymus
Kenza Lahbabi
Nikita Divekar
Olayinka Asafa
Priyanshi Shah
Raya Esplin
Saul Landaverde
Seema Plaisier
Selamawit Asfaw