I am a molecular biologist and developmental geneticist. I study how proteins distinguish between specific DNA-binding sequences to regulate gene expression during embryonic development. I use a comprehensive toolkit, combining genomic techniques like ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq with genetics, molecular cloning, biochemical analyses, and confocal imaging. My work addresses mechanisms controlling a fundamental biological process - gene regulation. My approaches can be applied to multiple biological questions, ranging from neurodevelopment to patterning.
I am committed to increasing representation within STEM communities. I strive to foster an environment where students do not feel like outsiders to a dominant culture. Scientific canon is replete with standard models of knowledge and advances, and I make an effort to include scientific voices and literature from different races, ethnicities, and genders in my classes and in lab.
I'm always interested in sharing ideas on innovative ways to teach and mentor young scientists. Tweet me @embryologistics (fair warning - I'm pretty new to the twitterverse but I'm learning as I go along).
When I'm not 'sciencing' you can probably find me eating spicy food, reading, or exploring the outdoors with my family.
Background
I completed my Bachelors degree at Macalester College in 2005 in Biology, Anthropology, and Philosophy, while also spending a large amount of time in the Music department. I received my PhD at Indiana University in 2010 in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Genetics with Justin Kumar. I then continued my professional training with Stephen Small at New York University's Center for Developmental Genetics. I joined the faculty of Hamilton College as Assistant Professor in 2018.
I am committed to increasing representation within STEM communities. I strive to foster an environment where students do not feel like outsiders to a dominant culture. Scientific canon is replete with standard models of knowledge and advances, and I make an effort to include scientific voices and literature from different races, ethnicities, and genders in my classes and in lab.
I'm always interested in sharing ideas on innovative ways to teach and mentor young scientists. Tweet me @embryologistics (fair warning - I'm pretty new to the twitterverse but I'm learning as I go along).
When I'm not 'sciencing' you can probably find me eating spicy food, reading, or exploring the outdoors with my family.
Background
I completed my Bachelors degree at Macalester College in 2005 in Biology, Anthropology, and Philosophy, while also spending a large amount of time in the Music department. I received my PhD at Indiana University in 2010 in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Genetics with Justin Kumar. I then continued my professional training with Stephen Small at New York University's Center for Developmental Genetics. I joined the faculty of Hamilton College as Assistant Professor in 2018.
Office: Taylor Science Center 2066 (LAB 2063)
Phone: 315-859-4187
Email: rdatta@hamilton.edu