Expery O. Omollo, PhD

Dr. Omollo [Robert A. Swanson Family Fellow] studies how bacteria have evolved to achieve precise gene expression using strategically placed transcription terminators. In cancer cells, specific mutations lead to uncontrolled transcription of certain genes, resulting in elevated gene expression that fuels cancer progression. Using bacteria as a model, Dr. Omollo aims to uncover how RNA polymerases in cancer cells evade termination signals to maintain high levels of gene expression, encouraging cancer spread. Dr. Omollo received his PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison and his BS from Michigan State University, Lansing.