Research opportunities in developmental genetics include the examination of mechanisms that control embryonic and post-embryonic development, cell-cell signaling, transcriptional patterning, stem cells, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis. These processes are studied in model systems for animal and plant development, including Drosophila, C. elegans, ascidians and Arabidopsis. Researchers in this area are part of a joint Developmental Systems Graduate program with members of the Skirball Institute at NYU Medical School. This joint graduate program is supported by a training grant from the NIH, and provides a formal vehicle for interactions with faculty and students studying other developmental systems including vertebrates. Regional meetings of Drosophila, C. elegans and other model system researchers are hosted by NYU Biology, and attract researchers from the broad New York area.
Research in Develpmental Genetics is conducted by faculty in the Center for Developmental Genetics, located in the Brown Building on floors 9 & 10 and headed by Dr. Claude Desplan.