The Murphy Lab studies how genes are turned on or off as cells change from one type to another, a process crucial for organismal development and cell identity. Using zebrafish and mouse models, they focus on early developmental stages like gametogenesis, stem cell formation, and differentiation. By combining genetics, developmental biology, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics, they explore how epigenetic marks—chemical changes that affect gene activity—guide developmental transitions. Their work aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind cell state changes, which are important not only for development and reproduction but also for understanding diseases like cancer.
Dr. Murphy's Appointments:
2025-present Associate Professor of Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
2018 –2024 Assistant Professor, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Department of Biomedical Genetics and Department of Biology (Joint)
2013-2018 Postdoctoral Researcher, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
Department of Oncological Sciences, Mentor: Dr. Bradley Cairns
2007-2013 Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics and Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mentor: Dr. Paul Soloway
2006-2007 Post Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
NIDDK – Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Mentor: Dr. Elissa Lei
2003-2006 Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences St John’s University, Queens, NY
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mentor: Dr. Christopher Bazinet
2001-2002 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Highschool Summer Researcher, Howard Hughes Science Research Program, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Department of Computing Sciences, Mentor: Dr. William Fleischman
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