Jeremy A Lynch
Email Address: jlynch42@uic.eduCollege: Liberal Arts and Sciences Department: Biological Sciences
Title: Associate Professor
Office: MBRB 4020 Phone: 6-5460
Webpage: http://bios.uic.edu/bios/people/faculty/jeremy-lynch
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
I am generally interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the emergence of pattern and form during animal development, and in particular how these mechanisms change in the course of evolution. The insects are an ideal model clade with which to approach these questions, due to their species richness, developmental diversity, and the ability to test gene function in a number of species representing a broad phylogenetic range. Currently two major topics are the foci of my work: 1) The evolution of mechanisms for establishing and patterning the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of insect embryos, and 2) The evolution of germline establishment and function in insects, primarily focusing on holometabolous insects. In both cases the wasp Nasonia vitripennis is the main model employed to gain insights into the evolution of these processes. This species has the advantages that it is easily kept in the lab, has a fully sequenced genome, and is amenable to both parental RNAi and CRISPR. I have some exciting new results that would be great for an undergrad to explore and extend over the course of a couple of semesters, so please reach out t me if you are at all interested in developmental and/or evolutionary biology. I also have a couple computational/ bioinformatics based projects in mind. Keywords: Genetics, genomics, developmental biology, insects, evolution, embryos, bioinformatics Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 8 Qualifications of a Student:
A major in biological sciences is preferred, but others will be conisdered (such as computer science majors with interest in bioinformatics), no prior experience is necessary. Sincere interest in and enthusiasm for developmental and/or evolutionary biology is the only hard and fast requirement. In general the best experiences can be had when you can dedicate at least 2 semesters to a project. Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
The student should come with a willingness and eagerness to learn, and the discipline to see the project through to its conclusion. Meeting the minimum time requirement it essential for obtaining and maintaining laboratory skills.
NOTE: This researcher is currently not accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research Experience program.
