Dr. Horacio de la Iglesia | de la Iglesia Lab

Bio:
Horacio de la Iglesia finished his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience and behavior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where working with Eric Bittman he studied the neuroanatomical interactions between the master circadian clock of mammals and the brain centers that control reproduction. He then continued his research on the neural control of circadian rhythms as a post-doctoral fellow and as an instructor in the laboratory of William Schwartz at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He was also an Instructor at Harvard University, where he taught a course on Stem Cells. De la Iglesia joined the University of Washington Department of Biology in 2003.

Abstract:
Throughout evolution and history, humans have progressively isolated themselves from natural cycles through built environments that isolate them from the external environment. Key to this isolation is our ability to manipulate artificial light and extend our activity into the nighttime. Recent studies from our laboratory suggest that moonlight not only had a similar effect on activity in ancestral times, but also that the phases of the moon continue to shape our daily sleep in highly urbanized communities. I will present data from human and nonhuman primates that provide evidence for the synchronization of sleep by lunar gravity and for the mechanisms by which the moon may regulate sleep physiology.

Watch the seminar here.

Dr. Alice Accorsi | Accorsi Lab

Bio:
Alice Accorsi is an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis. She is a developmental biologist whose research focuses on the development and regeneration of sensory organs. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as her PhD, from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), where she conducted a comparative analysis of immune-neuron communication in invertebrates. 

She then moved to Kansas City, Missouri., to begin her postdoctoral training at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in the laboratory of Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado. During her postdoctoral work, she established the freshwater apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, as the first genetically tractable system for studying complete regeneration of vertebrate-like eyes. This work, published in Nature Communications, opened new avenues for investigating visual system regeneration. Her laboratory now focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the regeneration of the visual system.

Abstract:
The ability to regenerate complex sensory organs varies widely across the animal kingdom and remains poorly understood, particularly in systems capable of restoring highly organized, vertebrate-like eyes. While vertebrates exhibit limited regenerative capacity in the visual system, several invertebrates can regenerate entire sensory structures; these models, however, often lack genetic tractability or fail to recapitulate key features of vertebrate eye organization. To address this gap, we established the freshwater apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, as a novel and genetically tractable model for studying eye regeneration. Following complete amputation, P. canaliculata is able to fully regenerate its eyes. 

Through integrated morphological, cellular and molecular analyses, we define the sequential stages of regeneration, revealing dynamic tissue remodeling, proliferative activation and the re-establishment of organized visual architecture. Together, this work provides a powerful platform for dissecting the cellular and genetic basis of eye regeneration, advancing our understanding of how complex organs can be rebuilt and informing future strategies to promote regeneration in systems with limited intrinsic capacity, including the human visual system.

Dr. Sarah 'Sally' Otto | Otto Lab

Bio:
Sarah "Sally" Otto is a Killam university professor at the University of British Columbia. Her research uses mathematical models and yeast experiments to understand evolutionary processes. Her recent work has focused on evolutionary adaptation to a rapidly changing world. She launched and directs Liber Ero, a Canada-wide post-doctoral program in conservation science. Otto has more than 250 publications, and her awards include the Killam Prize, a MacArthur Fellowship, a Steacie Priz and fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada and UK and National Academy of Sciences.

Abstract:
In this talk, I will describe experiments with Saccharomyces cerevisiae aimed at clarifying the nature of and interactions among beneficial mutations.  A panel of independent adaptive mutations was obtained by exposing haploid yeast to harsh environmental conditions. The array of mutations allowing adaptation was determined by genome-wide sequencing. This panel was then used to measure trade-offs among environments and among ploidy levels, as well as properties such as dominance across environments. The implications for Haldane's sieve, the role of ploidy in adaptation, and speciation will be discussed.

UK Biology Annual Alumni Weekend 2026

Thursday, Oct. 1- Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

Join Alumni, friends, and members of the Department of Biology to celebrate our annual Biology Alumni Weekend featuring the following opportunities below.

*Thursday, Oct. 1 

17th Annual Thomas Hunt Morgan lecturer, Dr. Sarah "Sally" Otto, will provide a scientific lecture titled "Genomic Scope of Adaptive Mutations in the Face of Environmental Challenges" at 2 p.m. in the Thomas Hunt Morgan (THM) building, room 116.
 

Friday, Oct. 2 

Coffee & Career Networking
Meet current undergraduate and graduate students and connect with fellow alumni to share your career experience.
10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Hilary J. Boone Center, room 119/120
308 Columbia Ave., Lexington, KY 40508

Meet Current Biology Faculty
Come learn about the exciting research and innovative teaching going on in our department.
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Don and Cathy Jacobs Science Building (JSB), room 361M
305 Huguelet Drive, Lexington, KY 40508

Biology Art Exhibit Opening (Sponsored by the Department of Biology and the College of Fine Arts)
4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
THM Building Atrium
Featuring Artist Brandon C. Smith
195 Huguelet Drive, Lexington, KY 40508

Thomas Hunt Morgan Alumni Reception (RSVP here)
Drinks and food with fellow alumni and members of the department at the historic Thomas Hunt Morgan House in downtown Lexington. Check out the fun we had in previous years here.
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
210 North Broadway, 40507
*Limited parking at the THM House. Additional parking will be available across the street at Broadway Christian Church off West Second Street.* 

Saturday, Oct. 3

Biology Alumni Social
2 p.m to 4 p.m
Base 100/BaseHere
110 West Vine St., Lexington, KY
4th floor
Come meet the Biology Alumni Board and learn about the wonderful things the department is doing and how the board works to support Biology undergraduate and graduate students.

Participate in a complimentary bourbon tasting hosted by Bardstown Distillery and some yummy snacks.

*Parking is available behind the building (disregard the Jeff Ruby parking signs) and on the street.

**The Thomas Hunt Morgan lecture was created in 2009 to honor the research career of Thomas Hunt Morgan, a Lexington native and graduate of the University of Kentucky, and to honor the outstanding scientists whose work reflects the highest achievement in genetics, molecular biology and developmental biology. This lecture gives scientists the opportunity to highlight their work to basic researchers, physician scientists, research faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate and undergraduate students.