Dr. Mariel Vazquez

Professor of Mathematics; Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

The genetic code of viruses and of living organisms is contained in very long DNA or RNA molecules, which are tightly packaged in confined environments. In order to fit, the molecules need to coil upon themselves. Understanding the shape of chromosomes is key to understanding the mechanisms of viral infection and the inner workings of a cell. We use techniques from knot theory and topology, aided by discrete and computational methods, to ask questions about the topological state of a genome. I will illustrate the use of these methods with examples drawn from recent work in my group. The lecture will be accessible to students and suitable to a diverse interdisciplinary audience.

For more information regarding this event, please contact Dr. Rene Ardila
at (616) 331-2041  or [email protected]