We identified many enzymes involved in the synthesis and salvage of the tRNA modifications Queuosine (Q) and Archaeosine (G+) in many organisms, discovering totally new chemistry in the process and allowing to better understand the function of these conserved modifications as a micronutrient. only in RNA. Guided by in silico analyses, we identified over eight different 7-deazapurine modifications in bacterial and phage DNA, unearthing restriction-modification systems and anti-restrictions that had never been described. This discovery could have biotechnological applications to protect DNA from restriction and a patent was filed.

Focusing initially on coenzyme A, NAD and folate cofactors, our recent work has been focusing of PLP where we have discovered a novel player in PLP homeostasis conserved from bacteria to humans that is now widely studied by as mutations in the human homolog leads to inborn epilepsy.

We discovered both the bacterial and archaea/eukaryal pathway for the t6A modification and showed that it was essential in Bacteria and not Eukarya and hence a potential drug target. Thanks to our fundamental discovery in yeast and bacteria, physicians were able to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying human genetic diseases. We are continuing to explore the physiological roles of Queuosine and t6A in different organisms. More generally we are still filling knowledge gaps on the identity and function of many tRNA modification genes.

The VDC lab has been an advocate for bringing together the computational, biocuration and experimental communities to tackle the problem of functional annotations of protein families. Indeed, the function of half of the sequenced proteomes is still unknown. Only a coordinated worldwide effort will solve this issue that greatly hampers the full use of the genomic information now generated in massive amounts.

Admissions and Application Information

The University of Florida Graduate School requires an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to be eligible for admission. Fulfillment of the minimum requirement does not guarantee an applicant’s acceptance into the program. In evaluating each applicant, the department’s Graduate Committee members include in their consideration a thorough review of the transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, area of research interest, etc. Students are encouraged to complete undergraduate coursework in biochemistry and microbiology before they apply.

How to Apply

Admission into the UF Microbiology and Cell Science graduate program requires that an applicant be accepted both by the UF Graduate School and by the Microbiology and Cell Science Department. To complete the application process, apply online via the Graduate School admissions web site and select the “Graduate” option to create an account and begin your application. Visit the UF Graduate School web page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Select the “Apply Now” icon below to go directly to the Ph.D. Application.

Students are admitted to the PhD program each fall semester. Applications must be completed by December 15th to be considered for admission the following fall semester.

We are not currently accepting applications for the thesis master’s degree program.

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Required Application Materials

• Application fee of $30.
• Official Transcripts.
• CV or resume.
• Three letters of recommendation (LOR). We suggest that candidates request LOR from professional/academic mentors or colleagues that can comment on their academic/research experiences.
• Personal statement. The personal statement should consist of a brief essay describing your research experience, career goals, and area of research interest (limit 500 words)
• Supplemental information. Use this form to provide additional information that will be reviewed by the admissions committee
• International Applicants must also submit TOEFL scores (a score of 23 or higher on the speaking section is required to be considered for admission).
  • TOEFL Score Codes for UF: Institution Code is 5812, Department Code is 07
  • We do not accept the IELTS

Please contact Jacqueline Lee at jlee9@ufl.edu if you have any questions regarding the application process or deadline.