Project Description
Despite the vast amount of knowledge that has recently come about due to advances in DNA sequencing and other genetic techniques, there are still genes whose functions remain uncharacterized. Dr. Whitworth’s lab has begun bioinformatics work on one such gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a eukaryotic microbe that closely models human cells. This summer our goal is to work towards characterizing the cellular function of this gene through genetic tools including a synthetic-lethal screen. Students will learn techniques including microbiological culturing of yeast and bacteria, PCR, and cloning.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites
Special Comments
At this time I do not plan to have students take a course in Winter or Spring 2026.
Project Information (subject to change)
Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026
Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026
Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks
Maximum Number of Students Sought: 2
Research Location: On campus
Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )
Contact Information: Leah Lanier (email: lanierl@wlu.edu)