Wynne Lab

At the University of Portland

Thanks for visiting the Wynne Lab at the University of Portland (OR, USA)!

We are a cell biology and genetics laboratory that studies the process of cell division. Our team is made up almost entirely of undergraduate students who work collaboratively to conduct experiments that help us better understand the molecules that control how cells divide. We are particularly interested in learning how cells avoid making errors when partitioning chromosomes into the new cells (called chromosome segregation) during both mitosis (which happens in most cell types) and meiosis, the specialized division that generates gametes by reducing the number of chromosomes in half.

We use the awesome model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to conduct our experiments. "The" worm is a microscopic (~1 mM in length) nematode (roundworm) that is one of the powerhouse systems used in modern genetics and cell biology (behold the awesome power of worm genetics!!). We use a combination of molecular, cellular, and genetic tools including recombinant DNA & RNA, CRISPR genome editing, and high-resolution microscopy.

We are part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Portland, which is a small undergraduate-focused institution that provides a liberal arts education. Our lab is located in Swindells Hall, which houses many of the Biology and Chemistry teaching and research laboratories, and is steps away from "the bluff" with great views of downtown Portland across the Willamette River and Mt. Hood (when it's not raining).

Are you a student interested in getting involved in research?

We are a small lab, but there are periodic opportunities for new students to participate in our work.

If you are a University of Portland student:

  1. Take classes related to the research topics, especially those taught by faculty you'd like to work with. Here are some of the most relevant courses for the research we do:

    • BIO207 & 277 - Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

    • BIO354 & 372 - Cell and Molecular Biology

    • BIO330 & 333 - Genetics

    • CHM453-454, 471 - Biochemistry

  2. Start building strong relationships with your faculty. Ask questions in class! Go to office hours, ask faculty members about their research,

  3. Apply for UP's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.

If you are not a UP student:

We are not offering opportunities to participate in our work at this time, but there may be opportunities in the future depending on funding and the scope of our projects.

Want to collaborate!?!

If you are a graduate student, postdoc, or PI working in a related field, we are always interested in collaborating. Please take a look at our research page and get in touch!!

A big 'Thank You' to our Funding Sources!!

  • The University of Portland - Portland, OR - 2017-Present

  • M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust - Vancouver, WA - 2017-2019, 2021-2024

  • Oregon Medical Research Council - Portland, OR - 2020-2021;

  • The College of New Jersey - Ewing, NJ (near Trenton) - 2015-2017

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