Research
Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of mutations called gene amplifications and copy number variations (CNVs). Many important biological phenomena, including cancer, infectious diseases, and bioremediation, depend on these mutations to evolve rapidly to their changing environments. Still, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear for all organisms. Our lab aims to unravel these central mysteries along with developing various CNV-related applications. In order to study gene amplifications and copy number variations, our lab utilizes some of the most genetically tractable organisms: bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Acinetobacter baylyi. The projects are accessible to undergraduate and Master’s students. Students are trained in important multidisciplinary areas that bridge classical and modern genetics with microbiology, molecular biology, experimental evolution, statistics, and computation. Publications ![]() Dr. Reams’ research team during Summer 2019 (from left to right) back row: Daniel Davis, Ryan Staley, Shyla Difuntorum, Dr. Drew Reams, Eric McPherson, Rola Ghobashy, Agata Koprowka; middle row: Dr. Semarhy Quiñones, Elizabeth Reis, Jennifer Herrmann, Charlotte Difuntorum, Habeeba Awwad, Lamrot Tulu, Cynthia Recendez; front row: Ayesha Shabbir, Kelly Faeth, Constancia Dominguez, Tesa Winters. Not in photo: Katie Bennett and Austin Widdershoven
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Current Lab Members:
Drew Reams (Professor) Semarhy Quiñones (Co-Investigator) Agata Koprowska (Staff Technician) Jennifer Herrmann (Masters program) Victoria Nikityuk (Masters program) Hanna Franklin (Masters program) Nancy Villanueva (Post-Bacc) Feini Pek Staci Rocco Heidi Solis Reyna Sharma Lorence Ramazzini Lab Alumni: Tesa Winters, Katherine Bennett, Elizabeth Reis, Ryan Staley, Jennifer Serrano, Constancia Dominguez, Daniel Davis, Lamrot Tulu, Cynthia Recendez, Ayesha Shabbir, Mario Lopez, Rola Ghobashy, Habeeba Awwad, Kelly Faeth, Shyla Difuntorum, Austin Widdershoven, Raylene Olmos, Mariela Vega, Stephanie Avalos, Itzel Cardozo, Sam Cabral, Shannon Clayton, Nathalie Villegas, Eric McPherson, Cody Lee, Josephine Sami, Abraham Sugay, Renee Avila, Heather "Andy" Geyer, Alejandra Ahumada, Caitlin Harris, Sinai Yoo, Janeé Carter, Gerard LaBlue, Katlyn Lewis, Sophia Romero, Jasmin Suazo, Daniela Tapia-Acosta, Maggie Cortez, Paul Riling, Rebecca Preto, Kristen DeBacker, Jaime Fuentes, Emily Barentson, Anthony Milani, and Lance "Teo" Courtney |