2006-2007 Faculty Grant Recipient
Dr. Mack E. Crayton
Title
Assistant Professor
Department
Biology
Field Concentration
Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics
Graduate School
University of Connecticut , Storrs CT
Research Proposal Title
Elucidating the evolution of alternative spliced exons within the arthropod lineage of the DSCAM family
The Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR): What made you choose your student assistants?
Dr. Mack E. Crayton (Dr. Crayton): In order: (1) Their interest in science in general and desire for research experiences. (2) Commitment to scheduled research hours. (3) GPA and completion of XU’s Genetics course.
CUR: In your opinion, what makes your research unique in comparison to other projects?
DR. Crayton: I combine “wet” and “dry” lab work to answer questions regarding the evolution of genes and cellular processes.
- “Wet” lab work: techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry that are done at a lab bench.
- “Dry” lab work: computational analysis of DNA sequences, which is termed bioinformatics.
CUR: What is the purpose or goal of your research to your field?
DR. Crayton: I hope to contribute to the current body of knowledge regarding gene regulation (the turning “on” and “off” of genes) and how the process of gene regulation differs among various species (i.e. how it has changed during evolution).
CUR: After your research is completed what will be your next project?
DR. Crayton: My research will be an ongoing project. In the future, my focus may change from the current gene I am working on, called, DSCAM (Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule) to some other interesting gene family.
