|
Dr. Jeff Thompson
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 CV [pdf] for project titles)
Current lab members:
Anna Boudoures (since Summer 2010)
Arron Cole (since Fall 2010)
Jacob Pfeil (since Summer 2010)
Past lab members:
John Snee (Summer 2010)
Alyssa Rossodivita (Summer 2008-Spring 2010)
Megan Ansbro (Summer 2008-Spring 2009)
Jon Mecoli (Summer 2007-Spring 2009)
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-authorFunding
National Institutes of Health R15 Academic Research Enhancement Award (1R15GM093849-01), 2010-2013; $317,852
Great Lakes Colleges Association New Directions Grant, 2010 (co-written
with Jessen Havill); $3,765
Denison University Research Foundation Grant, 2010; $5,506
Denison University Research Foundation Grant, 2009; $1,474
Denison University Research Foundation Grant, 2006; $6,329
Service at Denison
Faculty Development Committee (since 2010)
Phi Beta Kappa, President of Theta of Ohio Chapter (since 2007)
Sigma Xi Chapter member (since 2007)
Anderson Scholarship Selection Committee (2007-2008, 2010)
Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee (2008-2009)
Denison Scientific Association co-organizer (2008-2009)
Board of Academic Integrity (2007-2009)
Campus Affairs Council (2007-2009)
Board of Trustees Enrollment Committee (2005-2007)
Professional Memberships
Genomics Education Partnership, since 2007
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)