Lillvis Lab
Modern genetic engineering techniques are revolutionizing biological research and medicine. This course utilizes these techniques to manipulate and study how specific populations of neurons impact complex behavior. During the semester, students will make meaningful contributions to ongoing research projects by using cutting edge gene editing techniques to modify specific genes in Drosophila fruit flies.
Phylogenetic Signal in Chromosomal Traits
Blackmon Lab
In this CURE, students will investigate the evolutionary conservatism of chromosomal traits across diverse vertebrate clades. Students will collect real biological data from literature and databases, perform phylogenetic signal analyses, run simulations to model trait evolution and contribute to a publishable dataset and manuscript. The course integrates data science, evolutionary biology and collaborative research.
Deep phenotyping of frontotemporal dementia
Keene and Moulton Labs
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive changes in behavior, personality, and language. This course will explore how FTD can be modeled in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful genetic system for studying brain function and behavior. Students will learn diverse behavioral phenotyping techniques including sleep, locomotion, memory, and feeding assays, and apply them to fly models of FTD. Over the course of the semester, students will develop a testable hypothesis related to FTD pathophysiology, make predictions based on existing literature, and conduct original experiments to evaluate their ideas. The course is designed to immerse students in the research process and contribute to our understanding of neurodegenerative disease.
Osmoregulation of Harris mud Crab
Blackmon Lab
Studying osmoregulation in the invasive Harris mud crab. (3-0). Credit 3. This research-based course explores how Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii), a species native to saltwater habitats, is successfully spreading into freshwater ecosystems across Texas. Students will study the crabs’ osmoregulatory responses to a range of environmental and biological variables that influence their ability to thrive in different salinities. Through hands-on experiments and data analysis, students will gain experience in experimental design, hypothesis testing, and ecological physiology while contributing valuable insights into the adaptability of aquatic invaders.