Sarah Wiley Mudrak

Hi! After I graduated from Emory with a degree in Biology in 2004, I immediately started my graduate career here in UPGG. Although I knew I loved genetics I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I got here. During my first year, I did rotations in a human genetics lab and developmental genetics labs. In the end, I chose to stick with my undergrad roots and work on mutagenesis in yeast in Sue Jinks-Robertson’s lab.

I think mutagenesis is fascinating because although it is the basis for most human diseases, it is also a prerequisite for evolution. Cells must therefore maintain a balance of mutagenesis. Mutations arise in our DNA due to damaging agents, such as UV, but also arise during errors in DNA replication, recombination and even DNA repair. We aim to study exactly how these mutations arise and what proteins help minimize and/or generate these mutations. One of the proteins I study is a translesion polymerase that helps the cell deal with major DNA lesions yet also often generates mutations in the process. 

Duke is a terrific university with so much to offer, it really is an excellent place to be for graduate school. There are great labs here doing really amazing science and we have amazing scientists visit every year. I’ve also been able to go to conferences in Germany and in the UK.

Durham itself is also a great place to be and I plan on staying in the area after grad school. Although it has a smaller city feel, this area has great universities which help keep the population very diverse. There is great music, great restaurants, museums, a new performing arts center, the beach and mountains are within driving distance, and if you like basketball – this is the place to be.

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