Weird Model Organisms in Today's Evolutionary Cell Biology

How and why are new organisms being developed as emerging models in cell biology? Through lectures and reading primary literature, we'll learn how traditional model organisms (E. coli, yeast, fruit flies, mice, etc.) were originally developed and how 'weird' organisms from across the Tree of Life are used to address questions ranging from human health to climate change. Guest speakers, early-stage biologists from various fields (e.g., academia, industry, government agency) and backgrounds, will share with us how their choice of model organisms impacted their research and career. Develop skills in critical reading, scientific presentation, discussion, and developing research proposals.