First name,Last name,Preferred title,Overview,Position,Department,Individual
Zhilong,Yang,Associate Professor,"The overarching research goal of the Yang laboratory is to understand the mechanisms governing viral replication, with the rationale that the discoveries will expand the knowledge of both viruses and their hosts, and facilitate the development of novel strategies to combat viral and non-viral diseases. A parallel goal of Yang lab is to provide a highly supportive environment to train the next generations of scientists. The ongoing research focuses on how viruses interact with two cellular housekeeping processes: protein synthesis and metabolism using vaccinia virus as the research model. Vaccinia virus is the prototype poxvirus. Poxviruses significantly impact public health, with many presently causing morbidity and mortality in humans and many economically important animals, including deadly zoonotic pathogens (e.g., monkeypox virus). In addition, despite the eradication of smallpox, one of the most (if not the most) devastating diseases in human history, smallpox resurgence remains a serious biothreat. Poxviruses are also widely developed as veterinary and human vaccine vectors and as cancer treatment agents. Poxviruses provide numerous precious tools to understand many aspects of cell biology and dissect complex life processes, as their large DNA genomes encode hundreds of genes that engage many key nodes of cellular life. Yang's research integrates biochemical, molecular, and omics approaches. Taking advantage of their in-depth knowledge of the poxvirus replication and virus-host interactions, the Yang lab also develops vaccinia virus-based utilities and anti-virals.",Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n02daa01b
Christopher,Seabury,Associate Professor,"Mammalian molecular genetics, genomics, and population genetics; animal disease genomics; utilization of population and quantitative genetics to elucidate host loci and relevant variation influencing differential susceptibility to disease, adaptability, and feed efficiency; next generation sequencing and de novo genome assembly as a mechanism to enable novel research programs in non-model mammalian and avian species of interest.",Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n08037241
Rodolfo,Aramayo,Associate Professor,"My current research primarily focuses on understanding the organization, distribution, and comparison of information in Biological Systems. Our work encompasses two key levels of investigation:
Molecular Genetics: We employ the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa as a model organism to uncover and comprehend the intricate molecular components responsible for sequence-based comparisons between homologous chromosomes, leading to the initiation of Meiotic Silencing, a phenomenon driven by RNA-mediated processes. Currently, our primary focus centers on the exploration of whether genes recognized for their significance in Meiotic Transvection/Silencing also contribute to the occurrence of Repeat Induced Point Mutation (RIP) phenomena.
Computational Analysis: We are developing novel computational pipelines dedicated to detecting sequence variations within related genomes. We are particularly intrigued by the prospect of simplifying (i.e., digitizing) the information present in DNA, RNA, and Proteins so as to simplify its manipulation and analysis. We think that digitizing emerging genomic data will not only enable us to use this data effectively but also to integrate it into Artificial Intelligence, Data Clustering, and Image Recognition Algorithms, in ways not done before. We posit that this process of converting biological features into digital equivalents has the potential to simplify genomic information, making it easier to uncover previously unnoticed patterns through complex computational comparisons. This approach has already yielded promising results by revealing unexpected informational patterns across various organisms' chromosomes. We believe that it will streamline and enhance our ability to comprehend different cellular and organismal states. Moreover, it holds significant promise in revolutionizing our understanding of diseases, particularly Cancer and Metagenomics. This informational perspective also contributes to our comprehension of genome evolution, especially in the field of comparative genomics and microbial metagenomics.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n14287b36
Michael,Golding,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n19ac3c74
Maria Isabel,Vales,Associate Professor,"Dr. Vales leads the Texas A&M Potato Breeding and Variety Development Program. The goal of the Program is to develop high yielding potato varieties, mainly for the fresh and chipping markets, adapted to Texas growing conditions. She combines conventional and molecular tools to enhance the efficiency of potato breeding efforts and to maximize genetic gains from selection.",Associate Professor,Horticultural Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3dc104cf
Rodante,Tabien,Associate Professor,"My program focuses on the development of conventional inbred rice varieties for Texas producers using the conventional and molecular breeding tools that enhance cultivar release. Higher grainyield both in the main and ratoon crop, improved biotic and abiotic resistance and excellent grain quality are the priority traits for incorporation into the new varieties. Gene discovery for stress tolerance such as disease, herbicide, cold, flooding and drought through mass screening to identify new donors, and gene mapping to locate the gene(s) is a major part of the program.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences||Beaumont Research and Extension Center,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3e90fd03
Steven,Hague,Professor,"My research emphasis is to create cotton cultivars and germplasm with high-yield potential, excellent drought tolerance and resistance to insects endemic to Texas. I make active use of a wide array of cotton germplasm including exotic upland and interspecific lines. My cotton testing region includes Central and South Texas, as well as the Rolling Plains.",Associate Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n4328568f
Scott,Dindot,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5a986b57
Kevin,Myles,Professor,,Associate Professor,Entomology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5d73717b
Allen,Honeyman,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Biomedical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n62788a8f
Gary,Kunkel,Associate Professor,"An important step to control the amount of RNA or protein in particular types of cells is at the level of transcription of genes. Our lab studies a multifunctional vertebrate transcriptional activator protein known as SBF/Staf/ZNF143. This protein binds to SPH sites within promoters of many genes that produce small stable RNAs (e.g., snRNAs and others) PLUS probably over 2000 promoters of genes that produce mRNAs. Two separate activation domains in this protein direct its action at small RNA vs. mRNA gene promoters. We are using zebrafish as a vertebrate model organism to study the roles of SBF/Staf during development. In vivo studies are coupled with biochemical and molecular biology methods to decipher the mechanisms by which this protein stimulates transcription of various types of genes.",Associate Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n638b96b2
Endang,Septiningsih,Associate Professor,"My current research focus is plant genetics, genomics, and gene editing, with an emphasis on rice and several other crops. This covers various traits, including abiotic and biotic stresses, grain quality, yield and important agronomic traits that are important to Texas and the rest of the world. Different sources of genetic donors, including exotic germplasm will be used to increase the diversity of research material. Local, national and international research collaborations will be pursued to accelerate progress for crop improvement and broaden the research impacts.",Associate Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n74b30548
Carol,Loopstra,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Ecology and Conservation Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n7a948193
Ambika,Chandra,Associate Professor,"My primary responsibility and research interest is breeding (applied and molecular) and cultivar development of warm- and cool-season turfgrass species for use in home lawns, athletic fields and golf courses. This involves adopting holistic systems approach towards cultivar development, marketing and commercialization through industry collaborations; working interactively in the interdisciplinary areas of turfgrass science including turfgrass genomics, physiology, entomology, pathology, soils and socio-economics; developing high-throughput greenhouse/growth chamber phenotyping procedures to efficiently evaluate large breeding (and mapping) populations for important traits of interest including a wide range of biotic and abiotic stress tolerances. My interests also include graduate student education and training of tomorrow's plant breeders and turfgrass professionals capable of leading a successful career in academia and/or the turfgrass industry.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences||Dallas Research and Extension Center||Texas A&M AgriLife Research,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n7be9df6a
Susan,Payne,Associate Professor,"Molecular aspects of viral replication, pathogenesis, and evolution. The major focus of the laboratory is the retrovirus, equine infectious anemia virus. EIAV studies include evolution of virulence during rapid virus passage, modification of cell signaling pathways mediated by viral glycoproteins, effects of proinflammatory cytokines on virus replication and disease, and detailed mapping of EIAV virulence determinants. We also study the recently discovered avian bornavirus, etiological agent of proventricular dilatation disease of parrots, in conjunction with colleagues from the Schubot center.",Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n97844057
Qingyi,Yu,Associate Professor,"My main research interest is to apply genomics and molecular genetics to crop improvement. Current research topics include genomics of abiotic stress tolerance in warm-season turfgrass, gene regulatory networks underlying CAM photosynthesis in pineapple, and sex chromosome evolution in Caricaceae.",Associate Professor,Texas A&M AgriLife Research,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/naa660c01
Penny,Riggs,"Associate Professor, Animal Science",,Adjunct Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences||Animal Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nab0c8ffe
Sang Jin,Suh,Associate Professor,"There are several research foci in the Suh laboratory. First, we are interested in elucidating and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the survival of pathogenic bacteria in nature and the contribution of these mechanisms to aid these pathogens in their ability to cause human diseases.
Second, we are interested in developing peptide based biosensors for rapid detection of important bacterial pathogens. Our biosensors can detect pathogens in just minutes rather than hours or days of other approaches. Third, we are interested in genetic and metabolic engineering to develop bacterial cells into microbial factory for optimal production of value-added products.",Associate Professor,Biomedical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb2c8b3d4
Russell,Jessup,Associate Professor,"My research focuses on conventional, cytogenetic, and genomic strategies towards development of improved perennial grasses as biorefinery platforms for biofuels, turfgrasses, forage, ornamentals, phytoremediators and renewable bio-based products. This includes developing molecular tools to assist marker-assisted breeding programs for value-added traits such as: net primary productivity, carbon sequestration, perenniality, photoperiodism, hybrid sterility, and apomixis. Feedstocks are further selected for resource use efficiency, stress tolerance, and novel seeded-yet-sterile hybrid systems.",Associate Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb4158114
Oscar,Riera-Lizarazu,Associate Professor,"I work on developing and using biocomputational and genomics tools for polyploid genetic analysis with the goal of applying such tools to increase breeding efficiency and contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of rose adaptation, plant architecture, growth habit, and phenology.",Associate Professor,Horticultural Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nccc294be
Paul,Brandt,Associate Professor,"Understanding how the target cells ""interpret"" hormonal signals is the primary focus of our laboratory.Most of our research centers on regulation of steroid hormone-transduced signals. One area of study is the calcium-dependent regulation of glucocorticoid and androgen receptor-mediated transcription. A second major area of interest concerns glucocorticoid and steroid sex hormone regulation of nitric oxide (NO) production. Other areas of interest in our laboratory are: development of androgen-independence in prostate cancer; stress responses in PMCA1(-) cell lines; and the involvement of NO in dry eye syndrome.",Associate Dean for Academic Technology and Curriculum Innovation||Associate Professor,Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics||School of Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nd24a6df6
Alan,Pepper,Associate Professor,"My laboratory uses genetic, molecular, and genomic tools to study how terrestrial plants adapt, both in a short-term sense (phenotypic plasticity) and in a long-term sense (adaptive evolution), to the vast diversity of environments found on our planet.
My laboratory is studying the molecular and physiological mechanisms of 'downstream' developmental responses to light using genetic and molecular tools available in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In another project, we are using comparative genomics to investigate the genetic basis of the evolution-under-domestication of developmental processes in cultivated cottons (Gossypium spp.) and their wild relatives. Gossypium is in the Malvaceae family and, as such, shares a recent common ancestor with Arabidopsis and other plants in the Brassicaceae family.
We are also investigating the genetic mechanisms of plant adaptation to the stresses of extreme environments such as drought, low mineral nutrients (N,P,K) and heavy metals, in wild relatives of Arabidopsis, such as the rare endemic plant Caulanthus amplexicaulis (Brassicaceae.) This work has led us to become more broadly interested in the conservation and ecological genetics of rare plants, particularly geoendemics.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ndc106a4d
Zachary,Adelman,Professor,,Associate Professor,Entomology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ndc81a8e5
Deborah,Siegele,Associate Professor,"Phenotypes are observable characteristics of an organism that result from the expression of a particular genotype in a particular environment. Examples of phenotypic traits in microbes are motility, sporulation, ability to perform anaerobic respiration, and resistance/sensitivity to an antibiotic.
Until recently, phenotypic information has been captured as free text descriptions in research papers. Ambiguities in natural language confound attempts to retrieve information across sources. For example, ""serotype"" and ""serovar"" both refer to the same phenotype, but a simple text-based query with either word alone would miss the other. Or a single term, such as ""sporulation"" is used to refer to multiple, distinct processes in different organisms. Issues such as these hamper the ability to integrate different phenotypic data sets for the same organism or to use phenotypic information in one organism to predict possible phenotypes in another organism. Ideally, phenotype information should be stored in a consistent, computable format for ease of data integration and mining.
Controlled vocabularies are used to provide both consistent terminology and a structured data format for the capture of biological information. Ontologies are controlled vocabularies of defined terms with unique identifiers and precise relationships to each other. There are phenotype ontologies available for many eukaryotic organisms, including fungi. However, when the OMP project was initiated, none of the existing ontologies was appropriate to comprehensively capture phenotypes for Bacteria or Archaea or to enable comparisons across microbial taxa.
The Siegele lab and our collaborators at TAMU and the Univ. of Maryland (IGS) are developing a formal Ontology of Microbial Phenotypes (OMP). Our lab is focused on term development and annotating microbial phenotypes. OMP can be accessed at microbialphenotypes.org. Releases of OMP are available at github.com/microbialphenotypes.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne333d587
Hays,Rye,Associate Professor,"A fundamental principle of biology is the use of chemical energy in the form of ATP to assemble, disassemble and alter macromolecular structure. Specialized control proteins known as molecular chaperones are often responsible for this activity and have been recognized in recent years to be essential for regulating many aspects of cellular biology. Using a variety of biophysical and biochemical techniques, the Rye lab focuses on three fundamental cellular processes that require molecular chaperones: (1) protein folding (2) protein disaggregation and (3) vesicle trafficking. In each of these cases, large quantities ATP are burned, resulting in molecular organization in the case of protein folding, and molecular disassembly and remodeling in the case of protein disaggregation and vesicle trafficking. We are interested in understanding the detailed biophysical mechanisms that underpin these events. Why are these processes so energetically expensive? Are there any similarities in how the energy is used between these very different molecular processes? Are there general principles of energy transduction in biology that can be gleaned by comparing these examples with other molecular machines, such as cytoskeletal motors? Understanding how molecular chaperones control protein and membrane organization will provide key insights into not only basic cell biology, but will also illuminate aspects of many diseases that spring from aberrant protein and membrane dynamics.",Associate Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne7fb85e1
James,Erickson,Associate Professor,"Alternative developmental fates are often determined by small differences in the concentrations of signaling molecules. In many cases, cells respond to these signals within narrowly defined temporal windows and are unresponsive to the same signal molecules at other times in development. A number of aspects of Drosophila sex determination make it an ideal experimental system to study how strict temporal controls and small quantitative differences in protein concentration can elicit different developmental fates.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf4575bc8