Team Leader
Nicole Foley
Texas A&M University
Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
nfoley@cvm.tamu.edu
Project Type
Research
Who Can Join
Undergraduate Students
Project Description
Genomic synteny maps are revolutionizing our understanding of mammalian evolution by allowing scientists to visually compare the arrangement of genes across different species. These powerful maps reveal striking patterns of conservation and dramatic rearrangements, helping researchers trace the history of chromosome fusions, splits, and inversions that have shaped mammalian genomes over millions of years. By pinpointing regions of shared ancestry and uncovering evolutionary breakpoints, synteny maps unlock the secrets of how mammals diversified, adapted, and thrived in a changing world. This research team will use bioinformatic methods to generate synteny maps for mammals with a long-term goal of generating an online browser.
Team Needs
No bioinformatic experience is necessary; we can teach you!
Special Opportunities
The long-term goal of this project is to produce a publicly accessible mammalian synteny browser. Participating students will have the opportunity to contribute data to the browser as well as contribute to the accompanying academic paper. After the first semester as part of the team, continuing students are welcome to take the project for research credit.