efawcett

The inherent contradiction of a toxic gas that can elicit beneficial effects sparked my interest in the genetic mechanisms behind an organism’s response to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). I am especially interested in understanding the intricacies behind the dose and time dependent response to H₂S on a molecular level.

When C. elegans are exposed to sub-lethal levels of H₂S during development, they are able to survive otherwise lethal concentrations later in life. My current research interests are focused on understanding the genetic response and pathways behind this “remembered” adaptation to H₂S.