Muhlenberg College Biology Professor Receives NSF Grant
Dr. Bruce Wightman, associate professor of biology at Muhlenberg College, has received a $343,838 grant from the National Science Foundation. The research award will support his study of the function of the NR2E genes in the nematode worm Caenorhabitis elegansWednesday, September 24, 2003 01:16 PM
Dr. Bruce Wightman, associate professor of biology at Muhlenberg College, has received a $343,838 grant from the National Science Foundation. The research award will support his study of the function of the NR2E genes in the nematode worm Caenorhabitis elegans. The project, "RUI: Function of NR2E Nuclear Receptors in C. elegans," will aid in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the development of the nervous system. Wightman will continue his research of the role of the nuclear receptor gene class, which is responsible for controlling the expression of other genes in almost all animals. This project studies the genes at work in the nematode worm C. elegans. According to Wightman, these are the perfect specimens for this project, because their short generation time allows students to perform experiments in the period of an academic year. This project furthers the goals of the National Science Foundation by fostering an opportunity for students to pursue a passion for science. Wightman joined the Muhlenberg faculty in 1996. He holds a B.A. from Oberlin College and earned his Ph.D. at Harvard University. Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a highly selective liberal arts college in Allentown, Pa.
