University of New Mexico-Main Campus · BiologyZhang Lab
Si-Ming Zhang · Albuquerque, New Mexico
Research Focus
Dr. Si-Ming Zhang's lab studies how certain freshwater snails resist schistosomiasis-causing parasites. By exploring the genetics and genomics of these snails, the lab aims to identify resistance mechanisms and develop new strategies for controlling the transmission of schistosomiasis—a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This research could pave the way for innovative methods to block the lifecycle of these harmful parasites.
schistosomiasissnail resistancegenomicsCRISPRRNA sequencinggenetic mappingcomparative genomicsmolecular biology
Research Aims
4AIM 01Apply whole genome sequencing to identify genetic markers for schistosome resistance in snails.
AIM 02Investigate differential gene expression in snails resistant to schistosomiasis using RNA sequencing.
AIM 03Conduct comparative genomics to explore similarities between different snail species concerning schistosome resistance.
AIM 04Utilize CRISPR and RNAi to functionally test candidate resistance genes.
Skills the Lab Values
whole genome sequencing (WGS)RNA sequencing (RNAseq)CRISPR gene editingRNA interference (RNAi)genetic mappingmolecular cloningdata analysis using bioinformatics toolslarval snail culture techniquesexperimental design in genetics
Output against the department
Publications90bottom 30% of dept.724th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.6kbottom 27% of dept.752nd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.