This $240,000 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) will fund a 3-year postdoctoral research fellowship to investigate the role of genome organization on the evolutionary emergence of new genes. The research aims to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing how novel genes can arise de novo from non-coding genomic regions. Key activities include tracing the evolutionary histories of de novo genes in Drosophila, characterizing the regulatory activity of de novo gene promoters, and systematically screening for enhancer-promoter interactions that may facilitate new gene birth. Additionally, the project will provide mentorship and research opportunities for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as establish a peer support network to address mental health issues in academia. No sub-awards are planned under this grant.
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