Dr. Ünal in the lab

Research Bio

Elçin Ünal is a molecular geneticist whose research investigates cellular rejuvenation, organelle quality control, and gene regulation during gametogenesis. Her laboratory integrates genetics, genomics, and cell biology to uncover how reproductive cells preserve nuclear and cytoplasmic integrity through the meiotic gene expression program. These studies reveal how gametogenesis orchestrates a comprehensive cellular reset, offering fundamental insights into the molecular links between reproduction, aging, and gene regulation.

Research Expertise and Interest

gametogenesis, biology of aging, gene regulation, genetics, genomics and development

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent terms
2026 Spring
  • General Genetics  [MCELLBI 140]  

  • Genetics Laboratory  [MCELLBI 140L]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Investigating Cellular Aging and Chromosome Segregation during Gametogenesis  [MCELLBI 249H]  

  • Research  [MCELLBI 292]  

  • Teaching of Molecular and Cell Biology  [MCELLBI 380]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [MCELLBI 99]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196A]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196B]  

2025 Fall
  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Investigating Cellular Aging and Chromosome Segregation during Gametogenesis  [MCELLBI 249H]  

  • Graduate Seminar  [MCELLBI 290]  

  • Research  [MCELLBI 292]  

  • Teaching of Molecular and Cell Biology  [MCELLBI 380]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [MCELLBI 99]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196A]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196B]  

2025 Summer
  • Supervised Internship  [MCELLBI 197]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

2025 Spring
  • General Genetics  [MCELLBI 140]  

  • Genetics Laboratory  [MCELLBI 140L]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Investigating Cellular Aging and Chromosome Segregation during Gametogenesis  [MCELLBI 249H]  

  • Research  [MCELLBI 292]  

  • Teaching of Molecular and Cell Biology  [MCELLBI 380]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [MCELLBI 99]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196A]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196B]