Jeff Thompson

My research interests revolve around a branch of genetics called epigenetics. In short, epigenetics refers to non-DNA- based inheritable information that operates above-and- beyond the genetic instructions contained in cells. While genes serve as “recipes” to execute all cellular functions, epigenetic instructions can be thought of as “party planning guides”, directing cells to effectively utilize specific genes based on environmental conditions. Since epigenetic instructions are inheritable, it means that offspring cells have the potential to “learn” how to best use their genes based on the environmental experiences of their “mother” cells. My lab is specifically interested in how epigenetic phenomena influence the response to DNA damage. We have found that yeast cells which survive a DNA damaging event give rise to offspring cells that are hyper-resistant to subsequent DNA damage. This suggests that epigenetic instructions are passed from “mother” to “daughter” cells to enable them to better cope with damage. We make use of various genetic and molecular techniques to identify and characterize the nature of these epigenetic instructions, and to understand the manner by which they influence DNA damage response processes.

Undergraduate research students play an integral role in my laboratory. Ranging from single summer experiences to multi-year efforts culminating in senior research projects, student researchers are active participants in pursuing the questions that my lab is investigating. Students who make substantial contributions to our research have the opportunity to present their work at professional conferences and to be co-authors on published papers. Anyone interested in pursuing research in my lab should contact me early in the fall semester prior to the year in which they are interested in doing research to discuss potential opportunities.

Past Lab Members:

• Bhavana Huliyar (2022)
• Lillian Morrow (2021-2022)
• Claire Larsen (2018-2021)
• Isabel Wellik (2020-2021)
• Rachel Reardon (2016-2019)
• Amanda Walsh (2016-2019)
• LauraAnn Schmidberger (2016-2018)
• Sarah Higdon (2015-2016)
• Rachel Hoffman (2015-2016)
• Elizabeth Bailey (2014-2015)
• Sara Wilkes (2014-2015)
• Andrea Karl (2013-2014)
• Liesje Steenkiste (2013-2014)
• Marguerite Strong (2013)
• Arron Cole (2010-2013)
• Jono Turchetta (2012-2013)
• Dora Vines (2012-2013)
• Tom Snee (2012)
• Anna Boudoures (2010-2012)
• Jacob Pfeil (2010-2012)
• John Snee (2010)
• Alyssa Rossodivita (2008-2010)
• Megan Ansbro (2008-2009)
• Jon Mecoli (2007-2009)
• Ariel Lee (2007-2008)
• Tasha Strande (2007-2008)
• Ashley Albrecht (2006-2007)
• Maggie Evans (2006-2007)
• Andrew Keller (2005-2006)
• Arzu Arat (2005)
• Lindsey Bostelman (2004-2005)
• Katie McHugh (2004-2005)
• Leigh Stone (2004-2005)