Genome Assembly
Long-read sequencing and scaffolding of a 2.4 Gb reference genome from tissue samples donated by Elmerton Wildlife. We're closing gaps in centromeric regions using ultra-long Oxford Nanopore reads.
Active — 94% completeThe Future of Lion Conservation
We're a team of undergraduate and graduate researchers using synthetic biology, CRISPR gene editing, and computational genomics to engineer traits that could define the next chapter of Puma concolor.
Research Tracks
Each track tackles a different axis of the synthetic lion — from genome assembly to phenotype expression. Students rotate across tracks each semester.
Long-read sequencing and scaffolding of a 2.4 Gb reference genome from tissue samples donated by Elmerton Wildlife. We're closing gaps in centromeric regions using ultra-long Oxford Nanopore reads.
Active — 94% completeComparative genomics against Panthera leo and Felis catus to identify candidate loci for muscle density, coat patterning, and altitude adaptation using GWAS and selective sweep analysis.
Active — 847 candidatesBase editing and prime editing of validated targets in mountain lion fibroblast cell lines. Current focus: MSTN knockdown for enhanced musculature and MC1R variants for coat color.
3 edits in validationComputational prediction of phenotypic outcomes from edited genotypes. Machine learning on felid morphometric datasets to forecast skeletal structure, muscle mass, and coat pattern from sequence data.
Model v2 trainingLive Assembly
Our reference assembly of the Eastern mountain lion genome, built from PacBio HiFi and Oxford Nanopore reads. Updated weekly as new contigs are scaffolded.
The Lab
Principal Investigator
Comparative genomics, felid evolution. Previously at Broad Institute.
PhD Candidate, Year 3
CRISPR base editing, cell line development. Leads the engineering track.
MS Student
Machine learning for phenotype prediction. Joint appointment with CSE.
Undergraduate Researcher
Genome assembly and annotation. Honors thesis on centromeric repeats.
Undergraduate Researcher
Comparative gene expression analysis across felid species.
Lab Technician
Cell culture, sequencing library prep, and lab operations.
Publications
Genome Biology, 27(1), 44.
Molecular Ecology, 34(8), 1122–1138.
Nature Biotechnology, 43(4), 312–319.
Bioinformatics, 40(12), btae567.
We're looking for undergraduates and incoming grad students with backgrounds in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or computational biology. No prior big-cat experience required.