Feb 19, 2009 - Claremont, Calif. - Robert Drewell, assistant professor of biology at Harvey Mudd College (HMC), has been awarded a $600,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER grant for his project “Investigating the evolution of gene regulation at Drosophila Hox genes.” The project will be funded for five years.

“This award is a huge honor for Rob, as NSF CAREER awards are highly competitive,” said Stephen Adolph, professor of biology and interim chair of the HMC Department of Biology.

Utilizing a combination of molecular, genetic and computational approaches, Drewell will focus his research efforts on better understanding the genes that regulate intricate developmental processes in the embryo of the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster).

Since all organisms use common genetic systems, understanding biological processes in the fruit fly, which has been used for genetic analysis since the early 1900s, helps scientists understand those same processes in other complex multicellular organisms.

“How a single fertilized egg cell can develop into a complex animal is one of the central questions in modern biology,” Drewell explained. “This NSF CAREER award will allow us to expand our studies on the Hox genes, which are the ‘master control’ genes of development in all animals, including humans.”

Only a relatively small number of genes in an organism’s vast genetic material are programmed to designate specific cell fates in the embryo. Drewell and his team of student researchers already have indications that new gene regulatory mechanisms will be uncovered during this project.

Aside from its research goals, the project will also focus on three educational objectives: Drewell will develop an integrated curriculum and various educational tools that merge molecular and developmental biology, genetics and evolution. He will also test the hypothesis that research can attract and retain talented students in careers in science through enhancement of the undergraduate experience. Furthermore, Drewell will continue to actively recruit and engage student researchers, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups in science.

“Rob’s laboratory is a lively place where students can be found studying fruit fly genetics at all hours of the day and on the weekends,” said Adolph. “Although this is just Rob’s third year at Harvey Mudd, he has already mentored at least 20 different research students and published 5 research papers with HMC student co-authors.”

Drewell’s research group is also cohesive outside of the laboratory. During the summer they climb nearby mountains, including Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. Whitney, and they can often be spotted swimming or playing basketball together.

NSF's Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program offers the Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education, and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations.

NSF believes that such activities build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research.

“This is a particularly exciting time in the history of molecular biology to be investigating these issues, as we have access to the complete genomic DNA sequences in an ever-increasing number of species,” explained Drewell. “This new grant will allow us to take full advantage of the research opportunities presented by these advances. Of course, the real stars of the show are the talented and dedicated students here at Harvey Mudd College that have enabled me to develop a cutting-edge research program since my arrival. The support from the NSF will permit us to increase our research efforts in the coming years.”