Welcome to the Smith Lab
The Smith lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that give rise to patterns of tissues, and the forces that shape the developing embryo. As our model organism, we use local sea creatures called tunicates or sea squirts, specifically Ciona intestinalis and Ciona savignyi (shown above). We collect these animals from the local yacht harbor as well as raise our own at the Ascidian Stock Center here on campus. We use Ciona for many reasons, discussed here. We have identified spontaneous mutants as well as performed mutagenesis to develop a range of mutants that we are studying.
Use the lab member page to contact us.