Hill Lab

We use the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to study the molecular mechanisms by which genes modify neuronal activity and behavior. While the organization of the cells that make up the nervous system (neurons and glia) vary widely throughout the animal kingdom, many of the genes and proteins that underlie molecular functions in these cells, including propagation of electrical signals and synaptic transmission, are conserved between fruit flies and humans. Aspects of our work are therefore relevant both for a basic understanding of how nervous systems function, and have clinical relevance for human diseases caused by mutations in orthologs of the genes we study.

Holy Cross students interested in working in the lab should send Professor Hill an email (ahill@holycross.edu) introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in research. No prior experience is necessary!