The Noor lab is located in the French Family Science Center, primarily in rooms 4244 and 4249, on the campus of Duke University. Aside from equipment directly used in research, we have up-to-date computer facilities, recent journals (including Evolution, and others), and desks and file cabinets for students and staff. The lab is equipped with all equipment standard in a molecular biology laboratory (thermal cyclers, spectrophotometer, incubators, shakers, etc.). We currently share space with the Sherwood laboratory group, facilitating collaboration on various molecular and developmental projects.

CO2 tanks for working with Drosophila species are set up for the joint use of all Drosophila laboratories on the floor. Drosophila incubators and constant temperature rooms are also available. In this picture, an undergraduate is dissecting the testes from a hybrid male fly to study the genetic basis of hybrid sterility (see Current Research for more information).

The bulk of our genetic analyses are performed on our four automated DNA sequencers/ analyzers distributed by LiCor. In this picture, microsatellites from Drosophila pseudoobscura amplified on one of our thermal cyclers are being loaded into the acrylamide gel for analysis. The sequencer is connected to a computer that allows immediate visualization of the DNA fragments as they electrophorese through the twin laser beams.

For lower resolution genotyping, we also have an agarose gel documentation system set up in the main laboratory. Rather than using lasers, a video camera is attached over an ultraviolet lamp, and the image of ethidium-bromide-stained DNA is sent to and analyzed by a connected computer. Other resources are also available in the laboratory, such as an Insectavox insect recording box and various equipment for field Drosophila ecological research.

We welcome interested potential graduate students and postdoctoral research associates to contact us (see below) to explore the possibility of doing research in our laboratory. Graduate students can join the lab with a teaching assistantship through the Biology Department, and they may contact Prof. Noor for current information on availability of research assistantships. Postdoctoral research associates may apply for funding through NIH, NSF, or by writing a grant with the principal investigator. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers are expected to design and implement their own independent research programs, not merely to assist with ongoing laboratory efforts.

Undergraduates interested in doing research should contact the lab for information on opportunities.

Prospective graduate students interested in working in the Noor lab should contact Dr. Noor directly, but first read these considerations.