Developmental Biology Program
Developmental Biology is devoted to understanding the fundamental processes
of embryonic, fetal and postnatal development. The Program at CHRI includes
biologists with a range of academic affiliations and scientific backgrounds,
including:
• cellular and molecular biology
• genetics
• biochemistry
• physiology
They study a variety of experimental animal models (fruit flies, zebra
fish, frogs, rodents) each of which has unique features for studying particular
developmental processes.
It is one of our most established programs, with 7 Scientists and 11 Associate Scientists. It has a long history of collaborations and interactions among these scientists and recently received approval of a Collaborate Graduate Program in Developmental Biology which is strongly supported by our Institute and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at The University of Western Ontario.
Mission
The objective of research in the Developmental Biology Program is to expand
knowledge of developmental mechanisms to support the development of healthy
children.
Relevance of the Program
Research in Developmental Biology has contributed to an understanding
and better treatment of a variety of childhood diseases and disabilities,
such as birth defects, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation
and growth deficiency.
Opportunities Created
There are many collegial interactions with the Molecular Genetics Program
at CHRI because developmental biologists use research techniques borrowed
from molecular biology and genetics. Some members of the Program also
collaborate with members of the Maternal and Newborn Health Program to
examine issues in fetal growth and preterm birth.
The consolidation of the group of scientists in the Program with scientists from other programs in CHRI enhances collaboration. The graduate program will further consolidate the academic activities. The Victoria Research Laboratories will become the academic focus of developmental biology research at Western.
Future Direction
The Program will be the administrative home of a vibrant graduate program
that attracts students from across the country. By building on existing
strengths, the Program will become nationally and internationally recognized
as a leader in developmental research.
Our Team
Chair:
Dr. Gerald Kidder
Scientists:
Dr. Frank Beier
Dr. Lina Dagnino
Dr. Tom Drysdale
Dr. Christopher Pin
Dr. Rennian Wang
Dr. Andrew Watson
Associate Scientists:
Dr. Dean Betts
Dr. Arthur Brown
Dr. Sashko Damjanovski
Dr. Rod DeKoter
Dr. Gabe DiMattia
Dr. David Hess
Dr. David Hill
Dr. Greg Kelly
Dr. Tom Kennedy
Dr. Peeyush Lala
Dr. Lynne Postovit
