Diane Caporale

Diane Caporale serves as Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics within the Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's College of Letters and Science. Her research integrates cutting-edge molecular techniques with undergraduate education through hands-on laboratory experiences.

• Ph.D., Genetics - University of New Hampshire (1994)
• M.A.T., Biology Secondary Education - University of New Hampshire (1984)
• B.A., Biology - University of Vermont (1982)

Her research spans DNA applications across diverse biological contexts, with four primary initiatives: Tick-Borne Pathogen Studies tracking Lyme disease agents across 20+ years in Wisconsin; Gene Expression Investigations analyzing intron mutations in hereditary disorders; Genotyping Assay Development for consumer traits like caffeine metabolism; and Human Pedigree Analyses exploring familial conditions from dyslexia to POTS disorder. Students directly operate $300,000 in molecular equipment including qPCR systems and genetic analyzers.

Publications demonstrate consistent contributions to medical genetics and pathogen ecology, with recent work focusing on splice-site mutations in blood disorders and longitudinal tick-pathogen surveillance. Her collaborative approach bridges university research with industry partners like Prevention Genetics.

• University Evening Scholar (2013)
• UWSP Excellence in Teaching Award (2009)
• Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Professor (2011)
• Multiple Who's Who professional recognitions

Caporale mentors 4-6 students annually through funded research projects, securing over $500,000 in grants since 2005 including NIH AREA proposals and UW System grants. Her lab supports conference presentations from San Diego to Slovenia, with students winning Reviewer's Choice Awards at national genetics meetings. The molecular suite in the CBB building serves as both teaching facility and research hub for ongoing projects in medical genomics and vector-borne disease ecology.