I am interested in the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie human development. Currently, I am working on two projects for my senior thesis, involving circadian rhythms and incremental growth line formation in teeth. In collaboration with Dr. Tanya Smith and researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, I am working to determine the role of the mammalian master biological clock, known as the suprachaismatic nucleus or SCN, in incremental growth line formation. I am also studying growth line formation in mice harboring a genetic mutation in a key biological clock gene—Bmal1. Bmal1 is a component of the time-keeping transcriptional feedback loop in cells. Importantly, Bmal1 null mutants show loss of circadian rhythmicity upon transfer to complete darkness. I am working with Dr. Terence Capellini and Dr. Tanya Smith to see if incremental growth line formation is altered in Bmal1 null mutants.