Identifying Novel Genetic Mechanisms of Embryonic Resilience to Heat Stress and Global Warming
2023 Faculty Research Award
AWARD PERIOD: 2023-2025
Shane Campbell-Staton, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will study the effects of heat stress on embryonic life by identifying genes in the brown anole lizard, Anolis segrei, that may confer greater resilience to embryos that are exposed to heat stress. Over the next 100 years, Earth’s temperature may rise by as much as 4-5° C due to anthropogenic climate change. Many organisms are only able to maintain optimal performance over a limited range of temperatures. Campbell-Staton’s work will seek a greater understanding of how the fitness of organisms will potentially be impacted when exposed to temperatures outside their usual range.
As many as six Princeton undergraduates will participate in field and laboratory research related to the project including advanced training in field biology and genetic analysis, and also learn genetic engineering techniques using CRISPR-Cas9.
Participating Departments
Faculty
