Vincent J. Lynch

Dr. Vincent J. Lynch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind evolutionary innovations, particularly in cancer resistance, pregnancy evolution, and large body size adaptations. He holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Yale University (2008), an MS from Yale (2005), and a BS from the University at Albany, SUNY (2002).

His research interests span evolutionary genomics, developmental biology, and comparative genomics. Key areas include the molecular basis of tumor suppression in elephants, the genetic underpinnings of pregnancy, and the evolution of longevity in species like bowhead whales. Lynch's work combines experimental and computational methods to explore how genetic changes drive evolutionary adaptations.

His recent studies highlight topics such as the functional architecture of mammoth genomes, the role of transposable elements in gene regulation, and the evolutionary origins of anti-cancer mechanisms. He leads the Lynch Lab, which translates basic research into applications for human health, such as cancer prevention and reproductive medicine.

Lynch's research has been published in high-impact journals like Cell, Genome Biology and Evolution, and PLoS Genetics. He collaborates widely, with projects funded by grants exploring topics like cancer biology in non-traditional models and the evolution of pregnancy-related genes.