Emily Meier Email and Phone Number

Coral reef ecosystems are some of the most ecologically diverse environments across the globe. Asides from sea-life, they are crucially important ecosystems for us humans. Coral reefs provide billions of dollars of value to coastal human populations by protecting coastlines, serving as a source of new therapeutics, seeding our oceans with fish, and are hubs of CO2 to oxygen conversion. Coral reefs are incredibly large and old systems, that owe their success from growth and survival to a nutrient-dependent symbiosis. Corals associate with photosynthetic algae, which live within their cells. However, heat stress breaks down this symbiosis, causing corals to starve and die without their symbionts. Each year, we are seeing more global loss of coral reef ecosystems because of worsening climate change. It has never been more important than now to study what permits this coral-algae symbiosis to establish if there are to be any conservation efforts made. In my Ph.D., I am studying the genetic bases permitting the establishment of symbiosis in the model sea anemone, Aiptasia. Like corals, Aiptasia also host similar algae species within specialized cells. These Aiptasia “host” cells provide inorganic nutrients to the intracellular algae, allowing the algae to synthesize organic nutrients by photosynthesis. Amidst all the microbes in the ocean, how Aiptasia recognize, differentiate, and uptake specific algae species is unknown. Certain genes are thought to contribute to symbiosis. To sort through these genes, I developed an RNA interference assay to screen for genes that truly affect symbiosis. These hits are followed up with functional characterization using CRISPR Cas9 techniques, and localization using techniques like in situ hybridizations and labeling. The goal is to describe the cell types that express symbiosis genes and characterize how these genes permit symbiosis establishment and to determine similar and conserved mechanisms in corals for conservation.

Emily is in the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University as part of their Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology and Biophysics PhD program.

Completed on a DAPRA funded CRISPR Cas SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic assay using LbuCas13a (G. Knott) and TtCsm6 (T. Liu). The project is headed by IGI researchers Dr. Jennifer Doudna, Dr. David Savage, Dr. Patrick Hsu, and Dr. Liana Lareau, in collaboration with industry microfluidics contractor Wainamics Inc. (Pleasanton) and optical subcontractor Fusion Biotek (San Diego).I was brought on the team because of my industry and FDA assay development experience from Roche, and worked with the assay through optimization, including determining the saliva collection, heat and RNase treatment steps, and largely the implementation on a microfluidic cartridge in a brand new plate reader-like device. Other components to this project include emphasizing affordability of these devices and cartridges (basic materials and <$5/chip cost), accessibility and ease of acquiring sample (minimal and easy participant interaction), and increasing shelf life of reagents.

Researching and testing products for verification within NIPT assay development at Roche Sequencing Solutions to develop methods for cancer variant screening and monitoring. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, and the mantra to "do now what patients need next" reflects in the team's passion to create effective and affordable personalize healthcare. Experience includes optimization and feasibility studies from DNA extraction through Illumina NextSeq 500/550. Equipment includes Illumina sequencers, Agilent Tapestation, Bioanalyzers, Qubit, NanoDrop, Thermocyclers, incubators, DNA shearers/sonicators, DNA-binding beads, multichannel pipettes, and more.

Successfully defended my honors thesis on Gene expression of four carbonic anhydrase paralogs across the symbiotic states of the model temperate sea anemone, Anthopleura elegantissima (1835) on May 20. My committee included Dr. Virginia Weis, Dr. Felipe Barreto, and Dr. Jason Presnell. I presented my work as a poster May 29 - 30, and published my work with a Spanish translation and terminology index June 5.

I consult incoming undergraduate students by helping them adjust to university life and providing research opportunities they are interested in.

I troubleshoot coral PCR gene and oligo primers using Eppendorf qPCR machinery while applying a wide array of laboratory skills and techniques including spectrophotometer DNA quantification and agarose gel analysis.

Ergotamine extractionist for Oregon State University’s international Endophyte Toxicology Service Laboratory.

Meyer Coral Lab, OSUI preformed CTAB/Isoamyl-chloride, liquid-liquid DNA extractions and confirmed quality via gel analysis.

Meyer Coral LaboratoryTroubleshooting and modifying oligo-primer and master mix solution protocols for ITS2 PCR.

Meyer Coral LabManaged tropical animals and two 250L saltwater tanks, as well as eight 50L experimental tanks.

I conducted intertidal field research at Hatfield Marine Science Center under renowned Research Professors (Dr. Bruce Menge, Dr. Su Sponaugle, Dr. Sally Hacker, Dr. Sarah Henkel). I compiled, conducted, and presented 6-weeks worth of independent research projects.