The Rodriguez Laboratory
A Bit About Me
Everybody enjoys a good story, and to me molecular and cell biology are a fascinating story that is developed at multiple layers to explain how life functions. The story begins at the DNA were all the information is stored. Regulating molecules then determine which subset of the information is going to be utilized to perform specific functions. The spatial-temporal restriction of these regulating molecules then is able to create cells with distinct functions and structures.
​
When I took undergraduate courses it was difficult to image the city level complexity of a cell and the 3D aspects of molecules with the complexity of engines! Now, the large advances in graphic design, modeling, and the artistic talent of the science community has created some wonderful videos, animations, models and scketches that bring the molecules to life and allow for a true understanding of their function. My goal is to bring these novel tools to teaching and empowering the next generation of scientist to utilize broad disciplines to understand life.
Instructor
BIOL 243 Molecular Methods Lecture
BIOL243 Molecular Methods Laboratory
BIOL233 Molecular Cell Biology Lecture
BIOL223 Genetics Laboratory
BIOL133 Introductory Molecular Lecture
Discussion of primary literature with emphasis on molecular techniques. Includes my research about plant development, CRISPR-CAS9 and hypothesis based experimentation.
Laboratory course utilizing techniques covering DNA, RNA, and proteins: DNA extraction, PCR, DNA electrophoresis, RNA Extraction, Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), Protein purification, SDS gel electrophoresis, and Microscopy. In this course student clone a reporter construct, analyze its RNA and protein levels in Arabidopsis. This writing intensive course requires students to develop a research report of their findings which must include figures and references.
This is a great place for me to share my interest in the interdisciplinary work of molecular and developmental biology. Students are pushed to explore their interest as the significance of the work has to be personalized to their interest.
A deeper dive into topics introduced in BIOL133. This course covers the molecular and cellular basis of life, including the structure and function of cells and their organelles.
This course has students analyze four primary literature papers that are selected by the interest of the group and must include an analysis of the main technique used.
Laboratory course covering fundamental principles of heredity (includes model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and Arabidopsis thaliana) including molecular aspects and evolutionary implications of these concepts.
This writing intensive course requires students to develop two research report of their findings which must include figures and references.
​
Introductory course on the molecular and cellular basis of life, the structure and function of cells, and molecular genetics.
Teaching Assistant
BIOL107A Molecular Biology
Fundamentals of Cell Biology
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
"The study of the structure and function of the genetic material, including DNA structure, DNA replication and recombination, regulation of gene expression, and protein synthesis. Examines both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems including contemporary recombinant DNA technology and applications of molecular cloning procedures."
"Introduces the principles of eukaryotic cell biology. Includes an examination of the molecules and systems that mediate cell function and an overview of membrane architecture and function, cell signaling and signal transduction, the cytoskeleton, organelles, protein targeting and secretion, and the nucleus and nuclear transport."
"An intensive course designed to prepare for upper-division courses in organismal biology. Covers developmental biology, physiology, and regulation at the level of the organism."
"An introduction to laboratory exercises on fundamental principles of and techniques in cell and molecular biology. Illustrates the experimental foundations of the topics covered in BIOL 005A: An intensive course designed to prepare for upper-division courses in cell and molecular biology. Covers biochemical, structural, metabolic, and genetic aspects of cells."
Let's Get
Social
