Dr. Bextine Molecular Biology Laboratory The University of Texas, Tyler Department of Biology
E-mail: bbextine@uttyler.edu Phone: (903) 566-7323

General Research Interests

We have multiple ongoing projects that revolve around the interactions between Bacteria, Plants, and Insects. In all of our projects, molecular biology (specifically molecular diagnostics) plays a key role. Our flagship project involves the detection of Xylella fastidiosa in its most important vector, the glassy winged sharpshooter. The protocols that Dr. Bextine has developed in this system, allow for detection limits as low as of 5 cells per sample, which is revolutionizing the study of insect transmission of plant pathogens.

Bextine Lab Capabilities

The lab is a fully funtional Molecular Biology Lab. On the DNA/RNA molecular side of things, we have a Beckman Coulter CEQ 8000 (pictured below with Stephanie), which allows us to sequence DNA and RNA on sight. We also have a Corbett Research Rotogene Thermocycler for Real-time PCR (pictured below with Natalie), which allows use to count single copies of DNA or RNA. In addition, we have the rest of the typical equipment (pictured with others below), including electrophoresis equipment, centrifuges, etc. We also have a 2D gel system for protein analysis.

Laboratory members (Click Picture or Name to go to their page)

Graduate Students

Brian Jackson	Denice Lin	Danielle Tufts

Undergraduate Students

Aika Choudhry	Natalie Vitovsky	Stephanie Jackovich

Daymon Hail	Stanley Gunawan	Skylar Stagnar

Kaelyn Alexander	Andrew Ambort	Tyler Barlow