Dan Pollard

Dan Pollard, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Western Washington University (WWU), part of the College of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on understanding cellular trait variation, particularly in budding yeasts, using a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, biochemistry, and computational methods. He mentors students in his lab, emphasizing inclusive and rewarding educational experiences. Pollard holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Bowdoin College and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from UC Berkeley, specializing in bioinformatics, evolutionary genetics, and developmental biology.

Research Interests:

• Molecular mechanisms of protein production and degradation
• Chromatin dynamics during aging
• Genomic analysis of RNA interference pathways
• Yeast diversity and outreach with local schools

Recent Publications: Highlights include studies on codon bias effects on protein expression, DNA damage responses in Tetrahymena, and statistical methods for biologists. His work is supported by a National Science Foundation grant (MCB-1518314).

Lab Members: Current researchers include Benjamin Haagen (protein expression heritability), Maggie Barry (translation rate modifiers), and others. Former students pursue careers in academia, medicine, and education.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, UC Berkeley (2007)
• B.A. in Mathematics, Bowdoin College (1998)

Awards: NSF MCB-1518314 (2015-2023) for studying protein expression variation.