Faculty Expertise
Throughout your time at Washington College, you will work with faculty in classes, lab and field work, internships, and more. Faculty serve as teachers and mentors, and as advisors for your Senior Capstone Experience (SCE). Explore the research interests of our faculty below.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Experts
Mindy Reynolds
Co-Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
Alonzo G. and Virginia Gent Decker Professor of Biology
Mindy Reynolds
Co-Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
Alonzo G. and Virginia Gent Decker Professor of Biology
Areas of Expertise
metal compounds
Research
My wet-bench research is focused on chronic exposure to metal compounds, such as nickel, cobalt, and cadmium. Exposure to these metals has long been known to increase cancer incidence but the mechanisms by which they induce cancer are not well understood. My lab examines cytotoxicity and genotoxicity following co-exposure to these metals. To understand these processes, we use molecular and genetic approaches in a human cell culture model. Altogether, our improved understanding of the mechanisms of DNA damage and toxicity will enhance our knowledge in the development of cancer.
Daniel May
Co-Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Daniel May
Co-Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Areas of Expertise
Natural products chemist
Research
My research is in the interdisciplinary field of natural product research. Students in my lab combine techniques from biology, chemistry, and biochemistry to discover new antibiotics from microbes found in the environment. Our goal is to find antibiotics that can be used to protect both pollinator and human health.
Jennifer Wanat
Associate Professor of Biology
Jennifer Wanat
Associate Professor of Biology
Areas of Expertise
Molecular Genetics and Cellular Aging
Research
Students in my lab study how telomeres, the specialized structures at the ends of linear chromosomes, affect cellular senescence and aging. We are also collaborating with ecologists on a project exploring the connection between land use (urban, agricultural, forested) surrounding salamander habitat and salamander health (infectious disease incidence and metabolism differences).