Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
James Madison University
email: halselsr@jmu.edu
B.A. University of Texas, Austin
M.A. University of Texas, Austin
Ph.D. California Institute of Technology
Post-doc, Duke University Medical Center
Susan R. Halsell
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B.A. University of Texas, Austin |
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Research Interests
Genetic and Molecular Characterization of Shape Remodeling during Development
Morphogenetic processes remodel the shape of an embryo, generating the complex forms and structures that characterize the mature organism. Defects in morphogenesis give rise to birth defects such as spina bifida. While the outcome of such morphogenetic defects is very apparent, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of normal morphogenesis remain unclear.
Work in my laboratory focuses on a key cellular aspect of morphogenesis, the generation of cell shape changes. Specifically, we study the signal transduction molecule, RhoA. My research exploits the powerful molecular and classical genetic techniques afforded by the model organism,
Drosophila melanogaster, (a.k.a. the fruit fly). Because the molecules and cellular processes that direct morphogenesis are so similar between fruit flies and mammals, these studies have broad relevance. Our investigations and characterizations of morphogenesis are important steps in understanding how to overcome birthdefects.Courses