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Daron Barnard View CV

Daron Barnard

Professor

Phone 508-929-8243 ST310C
I study the molecular mechanisms that control early development, using the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model organism. I am particularly interested in understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms used to silence mRNAs before they are needed, and then how the mRNAs are activated to allow translation to occur. The mechanisms involved are key to both maintaining immature eggs (oocytes) in an inactive state, and the subsequent activating event to become mature eggs, competent to be fertilized.

Education

2004-2006
College of the Holy Cross
Biology/Bioinformatics
Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow
2000-2004
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Molecular Medicine (Molecular Genetics of Development)
Postdoctoral Fellow
2000
Vanderbilt University
Molecular Biology
Ph.D.
1995
Middlebury College
Biology
BA
Skills Molecular Biology Genetics Development Genomics

Achievements

Grant grant-iconCreated with Sketch.
MassTeach: A Statewide Strategy to Increase STEM Teacher Diversity at Scale
NSF Noyce Grant
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Award awards-iconCreated with Sketch.
Alden Excellence in Teaching Award 2015
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ASM Biology Scholar
Research residency 2008-2009 Transitions Residency 2011-2012
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Publications

  • Articles
Articles
The Genomics Education Partnership: Successful Integration of Research into Laboratory Classes at a Diverse Group of Undergraduate Institutions Read More
Articles
Symplekin and xGLD-2 Are Required for CPEB-Mediated Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Read More
Articles
Differential phosphorylation controls Maskin association with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E and localization on the mitotic apparatus Read More
Articles
Genomics Education Partnership Read More
Articles
A Course-Based Research Experience: How Benefits Change with Increased Investment in Instructional Time Read More
Articles
A Central Support System Can Facilitate Implementation and Sustainability of a Classroom-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Genomics Read More
Articles
The GEP: Crowd-Sourcing Big Data Analysis with Undergraduates Read More
Articles
Drosophila muller f elements maintain a distinct set of genomic properties over 40 million years of evolution Read More

Service Projects

Director, Aisiku STEM Center

Senior Editor CBE--Life Sciences Education

Director, Aisiku STEM Center

The mission of the Center for STEM Research and Education is to enhance student learning and success in the STEM fields through facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and initiatives. Representatives from STEM Departments at WSU (Biology, Chemistry Computer Science, Earth, Environment, and Physics, and Mathematics), work on initiatives to increase STEM retention and provide pathways for academic excellence. (http://www.worcester.edu/Aisiku-STEM-Center/)

Senior Editor CBE--Life Sciences Education

CBE-Life Science Education is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles on student learning and pedagogical approaches in life sciences and related disciplines. The journal is free, online, and published quarterly. (http://www.lifescied.org)

Research

Characterization of Xenopus Ifih1

Students working on Xenopus development have demonstrated that the mRNA for the ifih1 gene is found in the immature oocytes held in prophase of meiosis I (Stage VI oocytes). We are working to characterize the putative function of the Ifih1 protein in oocytes and in the resumption of meiosis (oocyte maturation).

Genomics

I am interested in the organization, evolution and function of eukaryotic genomes. As part of the Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) we work with undergraduate students to annotate genomes, providing both a resource for the research community and the data needed for our comparative genomic investigation into the evolution and function of genomes. Currently, we are working on understanding the characteristics of the dot chromosome (F element) in Drosophila species.
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Courses

Genetics

Genetics

Introductory genetics with examples of human inheritance and recent developments in genetic engineering. Three hours of lecture and a three-hour laboratory per week.
4 credits
Intro to Cellular and Molecular Biology

Intro to Cellular and Molecular Biology

Cellular and molecular concepts in biology. Emphasis on the structure and varied functions of the cell. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Intended for STEM Majors.
4 credits
Developmental Biology

Developmental Biology

Study of developmental patterns, cullular differentiation and cell interactions resulting in cellular diversity, organization, and perpetuation of the germ line. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.
4 credits
Biology Seminar

Biology Seminar

Preparation and presentation of biological topics, chosen with the advice and consent of a faculty advisor.
2 credits
Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics

Provides an overview of Bioinformatics including database structure, genomics, computational biology and proteomics. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.
4 credits
Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology

Emphasis on the molecular biology of the gene. Topics include structure, function, replication, transcription, recombination, mutability, repair and regulation of DNA. Three hours of lecture and a three-hour laboratory per week.
4 credits

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