Bin Z. HE, an Associate Professor in Biology, received a three-year, $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation entitled, “Genetic Basis and Evolution of the Transcriptional Response to Oxidative Stress in Diverse Yeasts.” Dr. HE joined the Department of Biology in 2018 and is the principal investigator of the Gene Regulatory Lab where he and his team investigate how stress response networks are rewired during evolution among multiple, independently derived opportunistic yeast pathogens. Their research has expanded to investigate the patterns of gene family expansion and diversification as a shared mechanism for the rise of novel fungal pathogens. 

With this grant, Dr. HE and his team will uncover new biology in oxidative stress response and reveal how genetic changes in the TF-target relationship drive transcriptional response divergence. The project will also feature a “Scientific Coding Workshop” aimed at teaching basic coding skills to undergraduate students majoring in biology and other related majors conducting research in the summer at the University of Iowa.

Congratulations Dr. HE!