Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Faculty & Staff
Alumni
Sections
Home
»
Directory
» Details
About Bio Sci
Calendar
Directory
Facilities
Maps
Organizations
Research Units
Support Services
Online Store
Contact Us
Directory
Faculty
Sara Sawyer
Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Email:
saras@mail.utexas.edu
Website
Main Office:
MBB 2.124
Alternate Office:
MBB 2.124
Mailing Address
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station
2500 Speedway
Austin ,TX 78712-1095
Research Summary
Evolutionary changes driven by historical viral epidemics have left a molecular �fossil record� in our DNA sequence. Our goal is to learn about natural strategies that have been successful at beating viruses in the past, and how these might be exploited in the fight against modern viral attacks. We are using a broad array of techniques from molecular evolution, virology, experimental evolution, and comparative genomics to look at human and primate genes that encode inhibitors of viral infection. We are also exploring evolutionary trade-offs, where human genes change enough to avoid susceptibility to new viruses, yet still maintain their ability to perform other important cellular functions. We are interested in the inverse effects that evolutionary change can have on multiple, intertwined biological systems.
Overview
Course Descriptions/Syllabi
Advising Center
Overview
Course Descriptions
Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
Microbiology
Plant Biology
Faculty Profiles
Faculty & Staff Tools
New Employee Checklist
Welcome
School News
Endowments
How to Give
Integrative Biology
Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Neurobiology