Olympia Science Café: Next-Generation DNA and RNA Sequencing

Next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing have made it possible not only to look at individual genomes, but also to rapidly compare genetic sequences among multiple genomes. These approaches can be used, for example, to determine differences in gene transcripts from individual samples, between populations or different organisms, and conduct experimental analyses of normal and experimental conditions.

Sam Fox’s work involves the use of these sequencing technologies to characterize the gene expression in plants exposed to abiotic stress (extreme temperatures, salinity stress, etc…).

Sam Fox graduated from Oregon State University with Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He has published numerous papers in the field of genomics. While in graduate school, he played a major role establishing protocols for the preparation and sequencing of RNA material. He has been involved in many genome studies including several genome sequencing projects and many projects elucidating gene expression in plants and also animals.