My research uses PCR to analyze food containing genetically altered soy-beans or corn.  I am currently involved in a multidisciplinary project that uses microarray technology to determine gene regulation of baker’s yeast that has been exposed to chemical and environmental stressors.  I also enjoy working with molecules both in vitro and in vivo.  I have involved students in projects that focus on creating models of DNA and protein structure.  I am currently using these models as teaching tools in the courses I teach.  I enjoy introducing basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA sequencing, PCR, plasmid restriction enzyme mapping and bioinformatics navigation to Longwood University students.

REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS

Alvarez, C. J.; Wise, J. A. (2001), “Activation of a cryptic 5’ splice by U1” RNA, Vol.7, #3: 342-350.

Romfo, C. M., Alvarez, C. J.; van Heeckeren, W. J., Webb, C J., and Wise, J. A. (2000), “Evidence for Splice Site pairing via Intron definition in Schizosaccharomyces pombe” Molecular and Cellular Biology, Vol. 20, #21: 7955- 7970.

Parker, J.; Kaplon, M. K.; Krishnaswamy, G.; Alvarez, C. J. (1997), “Prostaglandin synthase expression, Prostaglandin production, and proliferation in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells” Experimental Cell Research, 236, Article No: EX973741.