Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Daniel Hassell

Graduate Student

Research Interests

I love studying evolution, thinking about the origins of life, and keeping up on the latest news in astrobiology/exobiology research. When I'm not doing that, I'm usually out skiing, biking, or running!

Current Research

Horizontal gene transfer enables bacteria to rapidly acquire new functions with society-changing impacts, including antibiotic resistance and the ability to biodegrade environmentally damaging chemicals. Few genes are compatible for broad use among many species, so bacteria often need to modify newly acquired genes to improve their expression and function. I am working to identify genetic variables that reduce horizontally acquired gene function and provide insight into processes that allow bacteria to use acquired genes more effectively.

2024 Graduate Student Research Award topic: Taming the wild: how are horizontally acquired genes domesticated?

Research Categories

Biology and Ecosystems
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Sponsors

CECA Member

Aug 15, 2023

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Aug 15, 2028
P.I.(s)

About CECA

CECA connects and creates a supportive environment for graduate students and postdocs who come from various academic units to do research in CIRES.