معرفی
Leslie Babonis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on the mechanisms underlying the evolution of novel traits, particularly in cnidarians and ctenophores. She leads the Babonis Lab, which investigates gene regulation, cell identity, and tissue morphogenesis in organisms like corals, jellyfish, and comb jellies. Her work bridges evolutionary developmental biology and genetics, emphasizing the origins of biodiversity through studies of cell type innovation and loss.
Education: Ph.D., University of Florida (2011); B.S., University of Miami (2003).
Research Interests: Evolutionary development (Evo-Devo), origin of novelty, invertebrate biodiversity, cnidarians, ctenophores, gene regulation, cell identity, tissue morphogenesis, regeneration, and the evolution of multicellularity. The lab employs CRISPR, RNA sequencing, and behavioral assays to dissect these processes.
Students and Advising: Advises PhD students Sarah Arnold, Kennedy Bolstad, Yareli Alvarez, and Moey Rojas, as well as undergraduate researchers like Ice. Recent accolades include NSF GRFP and NSERC grants for her advisees.
Labs and Teams: The Babonis Lab operates in Corson Hall, focusing on cnidocyte evolution, colloblast gene functions, and assisted coral evolution. Collaborative projects include studies on comb jellies and sea anemones, with a particular emphasis on regeneration and defensive structures.
