Welcome to the Vo lab!

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology                                  College of Human Medicine                                                                            Michigan State University

Gene regulation is a fundamental process that underlies cell fate determination. We study RNA-based mechanisms of gene regulation. Our research leverages genetic, cellular, molecular, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches. Through our work, we aim to advance our molecular understanding of eukaryotic gene regulation while fostering positive opportunities for trainees and the broader community.

Research Themes

  • Discovering conserved epigenetic factors

    Epigenetics is fundamental to eukaryotic life. We are using the fission yeast as a simple living model to discover conserved factors and signaling pathways that drive this across life conditions.

  • Bioengineering humanized yeast models

    We want to understand human genes but studying them in humans is hard! We’re developing new strategies to put important human genes into yeast to discover what they can do.

Learn more about our research

For graduate students

There is an open position for a new Ph.D graduate student in the lab. We exclusively recruit graduate students who have already been accepted into the BioMolecular Sciences (BMS) Ph.D umbrella program at Michigan State University. Check the website for details since the application deadline is the year BEFORE your Ph.D program would begin.

Dr. Tommy Vo is affiliated with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), Genetics and Genome Sciences (GGS), and Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB) graduate training programs.

Non-undergraduates who do not wish to immediately pursue a Ph.D. but would like to work with us (short-term, 1-2 years) may enter through the Biochemistry Research Trainee Program (for domestic) or the Visiting Scholars Program (for international). Visit those websites or contact Dr. Tommy Vo for more details.

Summer research for high school or undergraduate students

If you are a local high school or undergraduate student (MSU or non-MSU) who would like to do summer research with us, read our latest research publications to learn about what we’re all about and whether it’s the right fit for you. If so, contact Dr. Tommy Vo by March/April to learn about opportunities for the upcoming summer. Summer research would typically occur between early June - early August.