Dr. Jeff Thompson Affiliation: Faculty Title: Associate Professor, Molecular Geneticist Office: 321 Talbot Hall Email: thompsonjs@denison.edu Phone: 740-587-5581 Fax: 740-587-5634 Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from The University of California, 1994 B.A. in Biology from Kalamazoo College, 1988 See full resume [pdf]

Academic Positions

Teaching

Research

My research interests revolve around the manner in which DNA is structurally and functionally organized within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.  Specifically, my lab studies histones, a family of highly conserved proteins that interact with DNA and other proteins to form material called chromatin.  Chromatin can be arranged in a variety of structural conformations, influenced in part by numerous post-translational modifications to the histones, which has implications for DNA accessibility and functionality.  We utilize genetic and molecular techniques to study the ways in which histones influence chromatin structure and function in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.  We are currently working on a series of projects to gain insight into the roles that specific histone modifications play in the processes by which DNA damage, caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, is detected and repair.

Undergraduate research students play an integral role in my laboratory.  Ranging from single summer experiences to multi-year efforts culminating in senior/honors 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.

Student Lab Members (see resume [pdf] for project titles)

Current lab members:
Megan Ansbro (since Summer 2008)
Jon Mecoli (since Summer 2007)
Alyssa Rossodivita (since Summer 2008)

Past lab members:

Ariel Lee (Summer 2007-Spring 2008)
Tasha Strande (Summer 2007-Spring 2008)
Ashley Albrecht (Summer 2006-Spring 2007)
Maggie Evans (Summer 2006-Spring 2007)
Andrew Keller (Summer 2005-Spring 2006)
Arzu Arat (Summer 2005)
Lindsey Bostelman (Summer 2004-Spring 2005)
Katie McHugh (Summer 2004-Spring 2005)
Leigh Stone (Summer 2004-Spring 2005)

Publications

(principal investigator in regard to publications below; see resume for complete publication list) * indicates undergraduate student co-author

Funding

Denison University Research Foundation Grant, 2006
Georgian Court College Summer Research Grant, 2001

Service at Denison

Anderson Scholarship Selection Committee (since 2007)
Board of Academic Integrity (since 2007)
Campus Affairs Council (since 2007)
President of Theta of Ohio Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (since 2007)
Sigma Xi Chapter Member (since 2007)
Board of Trustees Enrollment Committee (2005-2007)

Professional Memberships

Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society (since 2007)
Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society (since 1999)
Genetics Society of America (since 1998)
Phi Beta Kappa (since 1988)