Biology

The Betran Lab is interested in novelty in the genomes. We focus on the origin of new genes and theor functions. We try to understand theor role in genome evolution, adaptation, and species differences. The model organism we use for this is Drosophila and the current projects are on duplicated genes and gens "domesticated" from transposable elements.

Learn more and how to join at: https://betranlab.uta.edu/

In the Boutte Lab, we study how mycobacteria build and alter their cell walls in different conditions. The mycobacterium include the pathogen M. tuberculosis. Our work helps us understand how Mtb survives infection and antibiotic treatment. Cell wall regulation under stress leads to tolerance to antibiotics which complicates treatment.

Learn more and how to join at: bouttelab.org

The IDER lab integrates genetics, morphometrics and paleontological data to understand the drivers of biodiveristy and adaption in terrestrial tetrapods. By building comprehensive phylogenies, we can investigate adaptive genetic and phenotypic traits in the context of evolutionary ecology.

The IDER lab strives to maintain a safe, collaborative space for the development of leaders in the field of evolutionary biology. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into all aspects of our philosophy. We aim to be creative and innovative in our approach to inclusive teaching and mentoring just as we do with our science. Together, we work proactively to provide a research haven to pursue the science that we are passionate about without diminishing who we are as people.

Learn more and how to join at: iderlab.org

The Castoe Lab studies genome biology and evolutionary genomics, focusing on how genomes evolve and function, and how novel or exteme traits arise. We use snakes and models to investigate gene regulatory networks, regeneration, and speciation, and schistosome parasites to address questions relevent to disease transmission and human health. Our research integrates large-scale population and functional genomic datasets with computational approaches.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.castoelaboratory.org/

The Chang Lab focuses on soil microbiomes related to climate change and probiotics-related human gut microbiomes. We collaborate with farmers to implement climate-smart practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The lab also studies the effects of fermented soybean products on gut health and microbiome composition.

Learn more and how to join at: https://climatesmartsoybeans.com/

Bioinformatics: My group uses a variety of molecular and computational approaches to study the evolution of genes, genomes and organisms. Central themes of our work include genome organization, sex chromosome regulation and evolution, and behavioral genetics.  Recent efforts have been particularly focused on leveraging advances in our capacity to interrogate high-throughput single-cell data to provide unprecedented resolution into.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?username=jpdemuth

https://demuthlab.uta.edu/

We use natural history colelctions to understand environmental change and it's diverse impacts. Work in the lab focuses on urban ecology and evolution, environmental health, and environmental justice.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.shanedubay.com/

The Fort Lab investigates how human stem cells become cardiac cells. We are especially interested in understanding how physical forces, such as contractility, and the ways cells  adhere to one another and influence these decisions. By combining stem cell models with advanced imaging and molecualr tools such as CRISPR, we aim to uncover the rules of human development and how these processes are disrupted in patients with congenital heart disease.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?user=loic.fort

The Frishkoff Lab studies how biodiversity evolves and is maintained across scales, and how human activities shape ecological and evolutionary patterns. We conduct field research on reptiles and amphibians in Texas, the Caribbean, and Central and South America to explore whether independent speciation events in different regions produce ecologically similar communities without shared species.

Learn more and how to join at: https://frishkofflab.wordpress.com/

Our research embraces an integrative approach to study the evolutionary history of reptiles and amphibians. Largely relying on genomic data for phylogeography, species delimitation, and phylogeny, we are increasingly incorporating ecological data, including the use of microbiomes, to understand the diversity and distributions of our focal taxa. Current projects in the lab include genome dynamics in parthenogenetic lizards, genome structure evolution in reptiles, biodiversity genomics, and the evolution of sensory systems in frogs and lizards.

Learn more and how to join at: https://frishkofflab.wordpress.com/

The Ghose lab studies the programmed death and clearance of cells of complex structure in the living animal. Using the model organism C. elegans and advanced imaging and CRISPR techniques, we aim to understand how complicated structures, such as neurons, die and how cells communicate with one another in the context of programmed cell death.

Learn more and how to join at: https://ghoselab.uta.edu/

The Mydlarz Lab investigates coral disease and immunity, with a focus on the mechanisms that drive resistance and susceptibility. Using next-generation sequencing and gene expression analyses, the lab decodes complex immune pathways and links them to organismal responses. The lab is focused on understanding coral immune responses to coral diseases in the Virgin Islands. We aim to advance strategies to protect coral reefs and preserve ecosystem resilience

Learn more and how to join at: http://www.themydlarzlab.com/

In the Palmer lab, we study the evolution of biodiversity from genomes to organisms. We are especially interested in sexual traits and their genetic and developmental underpinnings. insects called treehoppers that show remarkable diversity in their genomes, morphology, and behavior.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.treehoppers.org/

The Pellegrino lab studies the regulation of mitochondrial recovery by the pathway known as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). We are investigating the role of the UPRmt in aging, host-pathogen interactions/ immunity, and coral stress resistance. We employ multidisciplinary approaches in the study of the UPRmt and leverage various model systems, including the nematode C. elegans, the jellyfish C. xamachana, and mice.

Learn more and how to join at: https://pellegrinolab.uta.edu/

The Quintana labs studies brain and facial development. We use zebrafish to understand how changes to cholesterol and vitamin B12 metabolism disrupt development and cause disease. Our research helps to understand more about genetics, metabolism, and development. A deeper understanding of development may help to prevent or reduce the prevalence of birth defects.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?user=anita.quintana

The Ravenscraft Lab aims to understand how an insect’s gut microbiota impact ecosystem-level processes. We study a wide range of species, from leaffooted bugs to Colorado potato beetles. We ask whether, when, and how much the gut microbiota influence insects’ ability to withstand stressors like climate extremes, pesticides, and the natural chemical defenses of plants.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.ravenscraftlab.com/

The Rogers Lab seeks to understand how small RNA-mediated gene regulation maintains robust execution of cellular and physiological processes during normal and stress conditions. We aim to establish a comprehensive map of the regulatory logic embedded within small RNA pathways that coordinates pathway homeostasis and gene expression.

Learn more and how to join at: https://www.akrogerslab.org/home

The Tang lab focuses on uncovering the mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance and host–bacterial interactions in infectious diseases. Using cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches together with tissue culture and animal infection models—we aim to understand how antibiotics influence bacterial physiology and pathogenesis, and how these processes, in turn, affect host immune responses.

Learn more and how to join at: https://qingtanglab.github.io/

The Walsh Lab is broadly interested in the connection between ecological processes and patterns of phenotypic change. We utilize field and lab approaches to better understand how and why evolution occurs in fish on the island of Trinidad and plankton in lakes in Alaska.

Learn more and how to join at: https://walsh-lab.uta.edu/