
Melissa Beers
Senior Instructor in Biological Sciences Laboratory
Broad interests in molecular biology that are now focused on engaging students in complex experiments and science writing.
My primary research interests focus on the work I have done with the nematode worm C. elegans , studying the proteins involved in how an egg becomes an organized embryo. I have extensively used RNA interference to help determine what these proteins do. I have also spent some time working on ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, using the mouse as a model system. We worked to introduce RNA interference molecules in a cell-specific manner in mice. My focus now is to introduce my students to up-to-date research methods to answer complex problems in biology.
I teach the laboratory component of several biology courses including Introductory Cell Biology, Genetics, and Cell Physiology. Over the years I have worked extensively with the microscopic nematode worm C. elegans as a model organism. I am working to integrate this versatile model organism into the curricula of several different courses. I am also working to reduce the amount of printed materials in our courses by introducing an online wiki format for lab manuals. Students are able to read online all background materials and protocols and use their lab notebooks to outline the essentials of daily work. Several courses have adopted this new format.
When I am not running after my young son, I enjoy reading, photography, gardening, cooking, crafting (especially quilting), and spending time with family and friends.
Education
- B.S., University of New Hampshire
- Ph.D., Cornell University
Current and upcoming courses
Seminar-style introduction to life at the cellular and molecular level, designed as an alternative to BISC 110 for students with strong high school preparation (such as AP, IB, or other). The course will include eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, function of biological macromolecules, molecular genetics, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics, and mechanisms of growth and differentiation, with an emphasis on experimental approaches to investigating these topics. This course will aim to develop students' skills in data analysis and scientific writing along with building foundational knowledge in the field. Lab sections are shared with BISC 110. This course differs from BISC 110 in its small class size and discussion-based format; it meets for one discussion and one lab session per week. One year of high school chemistry or equivalent is strongly recommended. BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, BISC 112Y, or BISC 116; or BISC 111, BISC 111T, BISC 113, or BISC 113Y may be taken first. Students must attend lab during the first week in order to continue in the course.
When considering swapping labs, please be aware that there is no guarantee you will receive a seat offer in another lab section even if you are already registered for a different section. Therefore, we encourage you to make initial registration choices carefully and wisely.