Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology (BBMB) majors Iker Sanchez ’26 (member of Phi Delta Theta) and Caine Ryan ’26 are exploring evolutionary genetics in the Cooley lab, studying how genes influence pigment expression in monkeyflowers. 🌸🌼
Professor of Biology Arielle Cooley is an expert in evolutionary genetics. Her research focuses on whether genetic changes are driven by protein-coding shifts or by changes in gene regulation. 🧬
In the lab, Caine and Iker are experimenting with gene manipulation in tobacco plants to observe how these changes affect pigment production. They use a spectrophotometer to measure light absorption and determine the concentration of red and green pigments in their samples.
They also collaborate with the Computer Science Department to develop image analysis codes that quantify pigment levels and link visible traits to specific genetic changes (phenotyping).
This experimental research challenges them to problem solve and fine tune their research process, using specialized equipment to achieve the best results.
For Caine, who is passionate about ecology, this research is helping him understand how genetics can reveal what’s present in the environment, while Iker hopes to continue in genetic research and pursue prosthetic development in the future.
