Brian Morton

Brian R. Morton is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Barnard College, Columbia University, where he has been a faculty member since 1995. His research focuses on genome evolution, particularly in plant plastid genomes, and chemosensory receptor systems in insects like Manduca sexta. He holds a BS from the University of Toronto and a PhD from the University of California, Riverside.

Research Interests: Professor Morton’s work explores selective constraints on codon usage, nucleotide substitution dynamics, and structural evolution of plastid genomes. His lab also investigates chemosensory receptors in insects, using CRISPR-Cas9 to study gene function. These studies bridge molecular evolution, bioinformatics, and experimental genetics.

Publications Trends: His recent work emphasizes Gymnosperm chloroplast DNA asymmetry and mutation processes in angiosperms, reflecting a continued focus on evolutionary genomics. Earlier studies on Manduca sexta receptors highlight his interdisciplinary approach to understanding sensory systems.

Awards: No specific awards listed, though his contributions to plant and insect genomics are widely recognized.

Advising & Teaching: Advised students including Theyjasvi Ashok, Nina Kalkus, and Joy Barrett. Teaches courses in genetics, bioinformatics, and science policy. Active in mentoring through Barnard’s Project Lab in Molecular Genetics.

Labs/Teams: Leads a research group at Barnard, collaborating with institutions like the University of California and international partners on CRISPR applications and comparative genomics.