My research program at the University of Chicago focuses on vertebrate axial regionalization during development, primarily using the zebrafish as a model. My group takes a variety of molecular, cellular, genetic and comparative approaches to these studies, and we have made important contributions to multiple research areas, including the understanding of Hox gene regulation of hindbrain patterning, evolution of duplicated genes and genomes in the vertebrates, and patterning of endoderm-derived tissues. Active areas of research in my lab include studies of neural crest specification, anterior lateral line development and evolution, and collective cell migration mechanisms in the developing zebrafish pronephros.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Postdoc - Developmental Bio
1997
University of London, Guy's Hospital
London
Postdoc - Developmental Neuro
1994
University College, London University
London
PhD - Molecular Biology
1991
Imperial College, London University
London
BS - Biochemistry
1986
Development of the zebrafish anterior lateral line system is influenced by underlying cranial neural crest.
Development of the zebrafish anterior lateral line system is influenced by underlying cranial neural crest. Dev Biol. 2025 May 29; 525:102-121.
PMID: 40449823
Development of the zebrafish anterior lateral line system is influenced by underlying cranial neural crest.
Development of the zebrafish anterior lateral line system is influenced by underlying cranial neural crest. bioRxiv. 2025 Feb 11.
PMID: 39990316
SDB statement on In Vitro Fertilization: Decisions on reproductive care should be grounded in science.
SDB statement on In Vitro Fertilization: Decisions on reproductive care should be grounded in science. Dev Biol. 2024 10; 514:117.
PMID: 38848815
Welcome to the 82nd Annual SDB meeting in Chicago!
Welcome to the 82nd Annual SDB meeting in Chicago! Dev Biol. 2023 Sep; 501:A1-A2.
PMID: 37393049
We have seen the gatekeepers, and they are us.
We have seen the gatekeepers, and they are us. Dev Biol. 2023 Sep; 501:A15-A17.
PMID: 37355030
Notch controls the cell cycle to define leader versus follower identities during collective cell migration.
Notch controls the cell cycle to define leader versus follower identities during collective cell migration. Elife. 2022 04 19; 11.
PMID: 35438077
Zebrafish Cdx4 regulates neural crest cell specification and migratory behaviors in the posterior body.
Zebrafish Cdx4 regulates neural crest cell specification and migratory behaviors in the posterior body. Dev Biol. 2021 12; 480:25-38.
PMID: 34389276
Midline morphogenesis of zebrafish foregut endoderm is dependent on Hoxb5b.
Midline morphogenesis of zebrafish foregut endoderm is dependent on Hoxb5b. Dev Biol. 2021 03; 471:1-9.
PMID: 33290819
From head to tail: regionalization of the neural crest.
From head to tail: regionalization of the neural crest. Development. 2020 10 26; 147(20).
PMID: 33106325
Development and migration of the zebrafish rhombencephalic octavolateral efferent neurons.
Development and migration of the zebrafish rhombencephalic octavolateral efferent neurons. J Comp Neurol. 2021 05 01; 529(7):1293-1307.
PMID: 32869305
Francis Straus Mentorship Award
University of Chicago
2022 - 2022
Faculty Leadership Award in Program Innovation
University of Chicago
2016 - 2016
Marshal of the University
The University of Chicago
2015 - 2025
Academic Leadership Fellowship
CIC/University of Chicago
2010 - 2011
J &J Neubauer Faculty Development Fellowship in recognition of teaching excellence in the College
University of Chicago
2006 - 2006
The Christianna Smith Lecturer
Mount Holyoke College
2005 - 2005
Faculty of 1000
2005 - 2010
Human Frontiers Science Program Fellowship
Princeton University
1995 - 1997
EMBO Long-Term Fellowship
Princeton University
1994 - 1995
Medical Research Council (UK) Training Fellowship
1992 - 1994