Developmental Biology of Mosquitoes and Flies

close up photo of a fly.

Seeking students to characterize gene expression patterns in mosquito embryos, regulatory sequences in transgenic fly and mosquito models, and explore the function of regulatory elements through mutagenesis.

Project is Not Currently Available

This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

Our laboratory is investigating the developmental biology of flies and mosquitoes with particular emphasis on how genes are regulated and on how regulatory mechanisms evolve. We are seeking motivated students to help with characterizing gene expression patterns in mosquito embryos, testing potential regulatory sequences in transgenic fly and mosquito models, and exploring the function of regulatory elements through mutagenesis. Techniques involved include genetic analysis, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, in situ hybridization, CRISPR, PCR, and other cutting-edge molecular and genomic tools.

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment semester or longer; longer commitments are preferred  
Start time Anytime  
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
In-person  
Level of collaboration Individual student project  
Benefits Academic Credit, Volunteer  
Who is eligible Students studying Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics and/or Evolution; Coursework in genetics/molecular biology/developmental biology with a 3.2 or better GPA; familiarity with basic laboratory techniques; ability to work independently  
Goldwater and the National Science Foundation

Students participating in this project might be interested in and eligible for the Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Connect with the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships to learn more.

Project mentor

Marc Halfon

Professor

Biochemistry

B3-307 COEBLS, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Phone: (716) 829-3126

Email: mshalfon@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Review the attached poster to gather more in-depth information about the topic

Keywords

Biochemistry