Graduate work was on the isolation and characterization of RNA populations from Hela cells. Most notably I discovered the branch structure in nuclear RNA molecules which was subsequently shown to be part of the "lariat" intermediate in pre-mRNA splicing. I also characterized an oligo(U)-containing subpopulation of HeLa cell mRNA according to its sequence complexity, cap structure, and kinetics of synthesis and turnover. My major advisor was Prof. Mary Edmonds. My thesis (University of Pittsburgh, 1983) was entitled "Analyses of Cytoplasmic Polyadenylated Oligo(uridylic acid)-containing RNA from Hela Cells, and the Discovery of Branches in Nuclear Polyadenylated RNA." Postdoctoral work in Strasbourg involved the construction of recombinant DNA clones, their introduction into cultured mammalian cells, and analysis of their expression. The emphasis was on examination of DNA sequences responsible for estrogen-induced stimulation of transcription. Mostly while in France I became familiar with the (then new) methodology of recombinant DNA. I was in Pierre Chambon's laboratory. My work with Brian Larkins at Purdue centered around zeins, the storage proteins of maize. Emphasis was on the use of genetic engineering techniques to improve the nutritional quality of maize, and I also investigated mechanisms of control of expression of these proteins. At Bucknell I continued my work with the zeins, but have now switched into research on the molecular aspects of development of the moss Physcomitrella patens, with particular emphasis on transformation and rescue techniques to isolate genes of developmental interest. The spring semester of 1992-93 was spent at the University of Leeds in England in the laboratory of Dr. David Cove, where I became familiar with the Physcomitrella system, and in particular worked on transformation of the moss via particle bombardment and characterization of the resultant transformants. Technical Expertise: I have published papers in which I have employed the following techniques: nucleic acids purification and various chemical and biochemical analyses; construction and screening of genomic and cDNA libraries; various aspects of subcloning and creation of recombinant DNA constructs; site-directed mutagenesis; southern, northern, and dot-blot analyses; mammalian cell transfection; SDS-PAGE; isoelectric focusing; development of immunological (ELISA) assays; S1 mapping; manual DNA sequencing; and plant transformation via particle bombardment. I also have at least some experience with the following: PCR; differential display PCR; Agrobacterium-mediated transformation; western blotting; Xenopus oocyte injection; antisense technology; electroporation (prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells); plant protoplast production, transformation and regeneration.

I am tall, healthy, a U.S. citizen, married, born 3/29/53. My hobbies include music (choral singing, 'cello, recorder), sports (tennis, squash, bicycling), gardening, and the outdoors (hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing). I also enjoy going to concerts and the theater, and sharing the appreciation of good food, wine, and beer with friends. I occasionally brew beer and make wine. I am an active environmentalist: I belong to several environmental organizations, serve on the board of directors of our local Audubon Society, and serve on a "Greening of Bucknell" task force. My wife, Dr. Lessa Brill, is a gynecologist, and we have adopted kids, Penina Raquel Wallace, born May 1991, and Simon Roy Wallace, July 1995.