Department of Molecular Biology

203 Animal Science/Molecular Biology Bldg.

(307) 766-3300

Web site: www.uwyo.edu/MolecBio/

Department Chair: Jesse “Jay” Gatlin

Modern biology is based on a fundamental understanding of molecular processes essential in living organisms. Recent advances in molecular biology have led to an explosion of knowledge about gene expression and the role gene products play in cell function. Undergraduate programs in molecular biology offer learning opportunities at the forefront of modern biology.

The molecular biology degree programs are designed to prepare students for the future by combining a foundation in basic sciences and humanities with a broad selection of courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology. Advanced undergraduates attend an outside speaker’s program that includes some of the world’s best-known scientists. Modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories contribute significantly to the educational experience of a student. All junior- and senior-level undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research projects with individual faculty members. Involvement in an active research program provides the student with an additional dimension of learning beyond what is assimilated in courses. A student learns to plan experiments, solve technical problems and experience scientific advances first hand. An undergraduate research project also promotes close interaction between the undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff and faculty.

Many molecular biology majors continue their education beyond the bachelor’s level by going to graduate school or to medical, dental or veterinary school. Some students choose to use their education to gain employment in biotechnology, clinical or basic research laboratories. Other career choices include teaching, medical technology, law and business. In addition, the Department of Molecular Biology offers the Ph.D., M.S. and M.A. degrees for students who wish to do graduate work in molecular biology, in preparation for careers in academia, the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry, medicine, or other professions.

Professors

DAVID FAY, B.S. Tufts University 1988; Ph.D. Yale University 1995; Professor of Molecular Biology 2010, 2001.

JESSE “JAY” C. GATLIN, B.S. University of Colorado-Boulder 1995; Ph.D. University of Colorado-Aurora 2005; Professor of Molecular Biology 2021, 2010.

MARK GOMELSKY, B.S. Moscow Institute of Chemical Technology 1986; M.S. 1988; Ph.D. Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms 1991; Professor of Molecular Biology 2011, 1999.

DONALD L. JARVIS, B.S. Idaho State University 1978; M.S. 1980; Ph.D. Baylor College of Medicine 1986; Professor of Molecular Biology 2000, 1998.

DANIEL L. LEVY, B.S. California Institute of Technology 2000; Ph.D. University of California San Francisco 2006; Professor of Molecular Biology 2021, 2011.

DANIEL WALL, B.A. Sonoma State University 1988; Ph.D. University of Utah 1994; Professor of Molecular Biology 2018, 2007.

CYNTHIA WEINIG, B.A. Brown University 1991; Ph.D. Indiana University 1999; Professor of Botany and Molecular Biology 2013, 2007.

Associate Professors

GRANT BOWMAN, B.S. University of Rochester 1997; Ph.D. University of Chicago 2004; Associate Professor of Molecular Biology 2019, 2012.

JASON GIGLEY, B.S. University of New Hampshire 1994; Ph.D. Dartmouth Medical School 2007; Associate Professor of Molecular Biology 2019, 2012.

PAMELA J. LANGER, B.S. Indiana University-Bloomington 1973; Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1980; Associate Professor of Molecular Biology 1994, 1987.

Assistant Professors

THOMAS BOOTHBY, B.S. Tulane University 2008; Ph.D. University of Maryland 2013; Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, 2019.

EUNSOOK PARK, M.S. Seoul National University 2001; Ph.D. University of Tennessee, Knoxville 2010; Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology 2019.

TODD SCHOBORG, B.S. Murray State University 2008; Ph.D. University of Tennessee 2013; Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, 2019.

Associate Lecturer

BRIDGET DECKER, B.S. Colorado State University 1998; Ph.D. Dartmouth College 2006; Associate Lecturer Molecular Biology, 2021, 2015.

Assistant Lecturer

KASSANDRA WILLINGHAM, B.S. University of Wyoming 2010, B.S. University of Wyoming-Casper 2017; M.S. Colorado State University 2016; Assistant Lecturer Molecular Biology 2020.

Instructional Teaching Laboratory Coordinator

HOLLY STEINKRAUS, B.A. Ripon College 1987; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 1993; Instructional Teaching Laboratory Coordinator, 2015.

Adjunct Professor

ANNE W. SYLVESTER, B.S. University of Washington 1980; M.S. 1982; Ph.D. 1987; Professor of Molecular Biology 2010, 2006.

Professors Emeritus

Dale Isaak, Randy Lewis, Nancy Petersen, Don Roth, Mark M. Stayton, Peter E. Thorsness, Jordanka Zlatanova

Programs

Major

Molecular Biology, B.S.

Minor

Molecular Biology Minor

Graduate

Department of Molecular Biology