Elena Keeling (Biological Sciences Admissions Contact)
Office: 33-271
Phone Number: 805-756-2175
Email: ekeeling@calpoly.edu
Biography
Dr. Elena Keeling has been at Cal Poly since 1996. She primarily teaches genetics, cell biology, introductory molecular/cell biology and stem cell biology. She is enthusiastic about doing research with undergraduates and collaborating with colleagues in other disciplines. Her primary research focuses on development and regeneration in the colonial ascidian Botrylloides violaceus. Colonial ascidians have the capacity to undergo complete regeneration from a poorly characterized population of circulating stem cells. As invertebrate chordates, they are more closely related to vertebrates than other animals with strong regenerative abilities. Her goal is to learn more about molecular and cellular aspects of ascidian stem cells and regeneration.
For additional information, please visit my Biological Sciences Department homepage.
Education
- B.S. Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University 1989
- Ph.D. Biochemistry/Cell Biology, University of California, San Francisco 1996
Research Interests
Biology Education
Development and regeneration in colonial ascidians
Interdisciplinary investigation of algae for biofuel applications
Notes
CIRM Class: BIO 534 Principles of Stem Cell Biology:
The purpose of this course is for students to learn principles of stem cell biology including characteristics, types, roles in development, therapeutic uses, historical perspectives, and ethical issues.
CIRM Class: BIO 509 Communicating Biology to General Audiences:
This course will focus on the key issues for scientists communicating with the general public. Introduction to principles, examination of case studies, and practical application in outreach projects. Intended for graduate students in biology and related disciplines