Faculty Mentor

Professor Cara Brand is an assistant professor in the Department of Genetics. Eukaryotic genomes are riddled with repetitive sequences, including >50% in humans, yet the functional significance of DNA repeats has remained unclear. Professor Brand's lab studies the functional consequences of one class of repetitive sequences called satellite DNA. Comprised of large arrays of non-coding, tandemly repeating sequences, satellite DNA represents the most rapidly evolving class of DNA. Between even closely related species, repetitive genomic regions are highly diverged and often unalignable. This rapid turnover might indicate that satellites are “junk DNA,” imposing no functional consequences on the organism. However, building evidence suggests that DNA satellite turnover disrupts genome integrity and chromosome transmission, functions vital for organism health and fertility. Her research leverages the genetic tools and genomic resources of Drosophila melanogaster to explore the profound yet underappreciated role of satellite DNA in shaping essential biological functions. When not in the lab she likes going on bike rides with her family and watching her son's t-ball games. Professor Brand loves animals and spends time volunteering with animal welfare organizations.