FRI Biology Stream

BioPowerhouses

bioinformatics, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, mitochondria

our research

Our Research


Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of eukaryotic cells, supplying most cellular energy while also serving as remnants of ancient bacteria with their own genomes. This stream explores mitochondria and related organelles (like chloroplasts) through two complementary approaches: wet-lab experimental methods and bioinformatics analysis. The wet-lab work investigates mitochondrial function under various environmental stresses and in diverse organisms, measuring phenotypes such as respiration rates, ATP production, and mitochondrial morphology—traits relevant to human disease and evolutionary adaptation. The bioinformatics approach leverages thousands of publicly available mitochondrial genomes to study evolutionary patterns, species relationships, and coevolution with nuclear genomes. Together, these strategies provide powerful, tractable models to address big questions in biology, from cellular energy to evolution.

scientist

Our Strategy


Students will gain hands-on experience with key laboratory techniques including measuring cellular respiration, isolating mitochondria, and assessing mitochondrial morphology. They will also learn fundamental bioinformatics skills to analyze mitochondrial genome evolution using freely available software. 

Students in Biopowerhouses will: 

  • Perform hands-on wet-lab experiments assessing mitochondrial function under environmental or genetic variation
  • Collect measurements of respiration rates, ATP production, and mtDNA copy number
  • Use bioinformatic techniques to analyze mitochondrial genome evolution and coevolution with nuclear DNA
  • Collaborate on research projects addressing questions like mitochondrial adaptation to environmental stressors
  • Master data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific communication skills
Impact

Our Impact


Variations in environmental factors like temperature and salinity influence mitochondrial function, affecting organismal physiology and adaptation across diverse taxa. Evolutionary analyses of mitochondrial genomes reveal how selective pressures shape their diversity and contribute to species differences. Studying the coevolution of mitochondrial and nuclear genes provides insights into essential genetic interactions that maintain cellular function and organismal fitness. Together, these investigations enhance understanding of biological adaptation, evolutionary dynamics, and mitochondrial roles in health and environmental response.

JD

Joseph Dubie

  • Assistant Professor of Practice
  • Postdoctoral Fellow - Havird Lab
  • Integrative Biology
Profile image of Justin Havird

Justin Havird

  • Associate Professor
  • Integrative Biology
  • Biodiversity Center
  • Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs
Building: NMS
Room Number:4.312
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