People
| Contact | Expertise / Current Work | |
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Lawrence WanghProfessor of Biology Bassine 103 |
Larry Wangh '68 and his lab focus on the development of diagnostic assays using the patented Linear-After-The-Exponential (LATE)-PCR technique of DNA amplification. |
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Cristina HartshornSenior Research Scientist Bassine 127 |
For the past 13 years, I have worked on detection and quantification of RNA molecules in different systems, initially measuring mRNA levels of genes that are expressed in preimplantation mouse embryos. For this purpose, I have developed a method for single-cell analysis. More recently, I have been interested in diagnostics detection of RNA viruses and particularly of influenza viruses. I am focusing on the genomes of both the "avian" H5N1 and the current human pandemic ("swine") H1N1 viruses, using synthetic RNA targets for my work. |
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Kenneth PierceSenior Research Scientist Bassine 127 |
I am investigating the use of mis-match tolerant probes to detect and identify specific bacteria and viruses based on variations in DNA and RNA sequences. High precision and sensitivity is possible by measuring probe signals over a wide range of temperatures after LATE-PCR. Applications include detection assays that can distinguish different species of orthopox viruses, different strains of RNA viruses, and identify virulent and hypervirulent strains of Clostridium difficile. |
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Arthur H. Reis Jr.Visiting Scholar in Chemistry and Senior Research Scientist in Biology Bassine 127 |
I am currently working in the development of LATE-PCR highly multiplexed assays for the detection of bacterial pathogens including resistance and toxin genes. We have primarily focused on MRSA and related bacterial systems over the past year. |
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John RiceSenior Research Scientist Bassine 127 |
I am developing new technologies to enhance the LATE-PCR platform. Currently working in two areas of research: one involves designing molecules that interact directly with Taq polymerase to be use in PCR; the other consists of designing a new detection system that significantly increases our information content from a single-tube reaction. |
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J. Aquiles SanchezSenior Research Scientist Bassine 127 |
I am currently working on endpoint LATE-PCR assays for diagnostics of DNA duplications and deletions that occur as a result of cancer progression and chromosomal aneuploidies in utero. Projects include development of LATE-PCR assays for LOH events that serve as biomarkers for the progression of Barrett's esophagus (a premalignant condition) to esophageal adenocarcinoma, and development of LATE-PCR assays for detection of chromosome trisomy responsible for Down syndrome. |
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Yan-Wei JiaResearch Scientist Bassine 127 |
My research areas include the study of microfluidic PCR, methods to improve the detection ability after PCR and heat shock response at the molecular level in preimplantation mouse embryos. |
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Adam OsbornePhd Student in Molecular and Cell Biology Bassine 127 |
Adam is a fifth-year graduate student in the Molecular and Cell Biology Program. His work focuses on the study of the genetics of human mitochondria, specifically how mitochondrial heteroplasmy relates to disease. Some drugs used in the treatment of related disease, such as HIV, also cause mitochondrial damage. Adam's work takes a novel perspective in its study of the effects of HIV drugs on the mitochondrial genome and observed development of heteroplasmy over time. |
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Shana Marie AugustinPhD Student in Molecular and Cell Biology Bassine 127 |
I am currently doing my thesis work on the understanding the relationship between PrimeSafe II and Taq DNA polymerase, and what effect one has on the other. Data has shown that PrimeSafe II in PCR enhances the discriminatory capability of the polymerase, yet it is not fully understood how this additive interacts with the enzyme. |
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Linta RahmanResearch Technician Bassine 127 |
Linta Rahman joined the lab after several years of undergraduate research under the mentorship of the Wangh Lab senior scientists. She now works exclusively with Cristina Hartshorn, focusing on the design of LATE-PCR Assays for Influenza Viruses. |
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Lisa RiceResearch Technician Bassine 127 |
Lisa Rice, a 2010 graduate of Brandeis, has transitioned her undergraduate research from a focus on distinguishing different species of nematodes using the LATE-PCR technique to the design of multiplexed LATE-PCR assays for the detection of bacterial pathogens. |
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Rachel Carver-BrownResearch Technician Bassine 127 |
Rachel is a recent graduate of Gordon College and joined the lab in the early spring. She is currently working on a LATE-PCR multiplex assay designed for bacterial pathogen detection. |
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Skye FishbeinUndergraduate Bassine 127 |
Skye's research focuses on building a multiplex assay for the detection of drug resistance in Tuberculosis (TB) and Extreme Drug Resistance (XDR-TB). |
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Martha SolomonUndergraduate Bassine 127 |
Martha is studying the relationship between disease and damage to mitochondria, the energy producing organelles of the cell. She is using cells from different stages of Barrett's esophagus to see if progression to cancer causes mutations in the DNA of the mitochondria. |
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Patricia GreeneUndergraduate Bassine 127 |
Patricia's project focuses on distinguishing between strains of species of Nematodes as part of the Barcod of Life Initiative. She is resuming Lisa Rice's previous work on this project and is developing upon her techniques. |
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Monica ChernoguzLaboratory Administrator Bassine 103 |
Monica Chernoguz is a 2010 Brandeis graduate and has been working in the Wangh Laboratory since 2011. Responsibilities include general management, grant administration, maintenance of laboratory records and website updating. |