PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

From his Ph.D. at McGill University, post-doc at Harvard University in the McMahon lab and studies in the Joyner lab at New York University, Doug has a long history of examining the transcriptional control of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) gene. He currently focuses on mechanisms of congenital brain malformations caused by Shh misregulation, as well as the genetic basis of and novel gene therapy strategies for hearing loss.

Doug has a longstanding commitment to mentorship, overseeing NIGMS sponsored Genetics predoctoral training and junior faculty mentoring programs, as well as hosting underrepresented high school interns through The Franklin Institute (TFI) STEM Scholars Program and Penn Genetics Summer Internship Program.

His favorite experimental protocol involves modifying the embryonic mouse genome using state-of-the-art gene editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9.

Other than science, Doug enjoys running, hiking, biking, and all things winter sports related (Canadians, right?).

LAB MANAGER, RESEARCH SPECIALIST

While Staci has many skills, she is currently interested in defining characteristics of the topologically associated domain (TAD) encompassing the Sonic hedgehog locus, particularly in regards to transcriptional activation, the recruitment of distal enhancers, and dynamic boundaries between neighboring TADs at the single-cell level.

Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) is Staci’s favorite experimental technique, as the ability to visualize 3D genomic configurations in situ with such high resolution is incredible to her.

Outside of the lab, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and riding/caring for/everything (!) horses.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Tingfang leads the hearing loss-related projects in lab. She is interested in the genetic bases of child and adult-onset hearing loss, and recently published a paper on GAS2, a gene that encodes a cytoskeletal regulatory protein, and its role in proper organization of support cells and transmission of sound energy within the inner ear. She is currently investigating other interesting genetic causes of hearing loss.

Tingfang especially enjoys cochlea explant culturing. She has found great satisfaction in this protocol after significant practice and troubleshooting.

And after a long day in the lab, she loves having dinner with her family and playing with her young son.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Vivi’s interests lie in studying the generation, function, and plasticity of brain neuronal networks, and the way they influence behavior. She uses a double Sonic hedgehog brain enhancer knockout model to study the effects of improper embryonic thalamic development on brain wiring, neuronal activity, and subsequent behavior. She employs a variety of behavioral paradigms to analyze these effects.

She enjoys any experimental protocol that allows her to more effectively address her questions of interest.

Vivi spends her free time reading and writing poetry (a “hobby” inherited from her dad), dancing tango, and traveling as much as possible.

GRADUATE STUDENT (Genetics & Epigenetics)(Co-mentored by Eric Joyce)

Jailynn’s thesis work focuses on disentangling the interplay between 3D genome organization and gene expression. Using the Sonic hedgehog locus as a model, she employs several super-resolution imaging modalities to determine locus structure, long-range regulatory elements therein, and their contributions to genomic organization and expression.

Her favorite protocol is sequential DNA-FISH, because it is incredibly powerful and results in a huge amount of data; provides unprecedented access to ultrafine-scale structures of DNA; and is really cool. To Jailynn, it is wild to think how far science has come, even labeling nanoscopic fragments of DNA and visualizing how it’s folded.

Jailynn is an avid Crossfitter and Olympic lifter. She also loves working with paper, making handmade cards, etc.

VISITING SCHOLAR

Sixing’s project applies longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing, regional abrogation of Sonic hedgehog, and spatial profiling of gene and protein expression in mouse models to molecularly and anatomically characterize thalamic neuronal progenitors and post-mitotic neurons. He is interested in identifying key molecular and cellular principles of thalamic development.

He appreciates any experimental protocol that allows him to investigate his interests.

Outside of work, Sixing enjoys playing basketball and video games.