Jeremy Ward
Albert D. Mead Professor of Biology and Vice President of Academic Affairs

- Office
- Old Chapel 207
- Tel
- (802) 443-3499
- jward@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- 2024/2025: Office hours by appointment
Courses Taught
BIOL 0145
Current
Cell Biology and Genetics
Course Description
Cell Biology and Genetics
In this introduction to modern cellular, genetic, and molecular biology we will explore life science concepts with an emphasis on their integral nature and evolutionary relationships. Topics covered will include cell membrane structure and function, metabolism, cell motility and division, genome structure and replication, the regulation of gene expression and protein production, genotype to phenotype relationship, and basic principles of inheritance. Major concepts will be illustrated using a broad range of examples from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Current topics in biology will be integrated into the course as they arise. 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
BIOL 0314
Molecular Genetics
Course Description
Molecular Genetics
This course will focus on the structure and function of nucleic acids in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Lectures will center on molecular mechanisms of mutation, transposition, and recombination, the regulation of gene expression, and gene control in development, immune diversity and carcinogenesis. Readings from the primary literature will complement the textbook and classroom discussions. The laboratory will provide training in both classic and contemporary molecular-genetic techniques including nucleic acid isolation and purification, cloning, electroporation, nick-translation, Southern/Northern blotting, DNA sequencing, PCR and RT-PCR. (BIOL or MBBC majors, or by waiver. BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145 or waiver) 3 hrs. lect./4 hrs. lab./1 hr. prelab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
BIOL 0324
Genomics
Course Description
Genomics
Genomics is a quickly evolving field that analyzes and contextualizes genome sequencing data and high-throughput techniques. Genomics is the study of the nucleic acid content of organisms. In this course students will use national repositories of genomic information, databases, and open-source bioinformatics tools to visualize and manipulate genomic data. We will also explore genomics’ larger social context, particularly as it relates to the environment and medical informatics. In the laboratory we will explore and use the methodology used in genomics to develop and interpret large datasets (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107,and BIOL 0145 and BIOL0140, or by waiver) (not open to students who have taken BIOL 0334) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
BIOL 0331
The Genetics of Cancer
Course Description
The Genetics of Cancer
In this course we will examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that serve to regulate normal cell proliferation, survival, and senescence in order to understand how alterations in these mechanisms can lead to cancer. Students will develop and propose research projects based on their own specific interests. Topics covered may include: classification of cancers, animal models, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, mitogenic signals, genetic and epigenetic alterations, external causes of cancer, and current treatment protocols. We will also examine cancer’s far-reaching influence outside the confines of molecular and cell biology. (BIOL 0140, BIOL 0145, and BIOL 0314) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
BIOL 0371
Advanced Field Biology
Course Description
Advanced Field Biology: Place-based Global Biology Education
In this upper-level biology course, we will conduct field-based scientific observation, sample and data collection, and interpretation of biological phenomena. Students will be deeply engaged in off-campus, place-based learning linking Puerto Rico’s terrestrial landscapes to marine ecosystems, with a focus on the ecology, evolution and biogeochemistry across freshwater to marine system gradients. The course is split between time on-campus and off-campus conducting group research projects integrating field observations with data analysis. Students will collaborate and partner with local community members on intercultural projects with ethical local impact and relevance. Open to BIOL, MBBC, ESBI, BIOL-ECSC majors or waiver. (BIOL 0145 and BIOL 0140 and a 200- or 300-level BIOL class with laboratory or by waiver)
Terms Taught
Requirements
BIOL 0500
Current
Upcoming
Independent Study
Course Description
Independent Study
In this course students complete individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty advisor. Prior to registering for BIOL 0500, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the Biology Department faculty. Additional requirements include attendance at all Biology Department seminars and participation in any scheduled meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. This course is not open to seniors; seniors should enroll in BIOL 0700, Senior Independent Study. (BIOL 0211. Approval required) 3 hrs. disc.
Terms Taught
BIOL 0700
Current
Upcoming
Senior Independent Study
Course Description
Senior Independent Study
In this course students complete individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty advisor. Prior to registering for BIOL 0700, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the Biology Department faculty. Additional requirements include attendance at all Biology Department seminars and participation in any scheduled meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. (BIOL 0211. Approval required; open only to seniors) 3 hrs. disc.
Terms Taught
BIOL 0701
Current
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis
Seniors majoring in Biology who have completed one or more semesters of BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 and who plan to complete a thesis should register for BIOL 0701. In this course students will produce a written thesis, deliver a public presentation of the research on which it is based, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members. Additional requirements include attendance at all Biology Department seminars and participation in any scheduled meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. Open to Biology and joint Biology/Environmental Studies majors. (BIOL 0211 and BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 or waiver; instructor approval required for all students) 3 hrs. disc
Terms Taught
FYSE 1236
The Malleable Human
Course Description
The Malleable Human
The human body is a remarkable product of evolution, but too often it fails to function as we might like. The genome is essential in determining the body’s characteristics, known as its phenotype, but its influence is not unalterable. In this course we will examine physical, chemical, and genetic modifications to the human body and genome and how they might influence our current perceptions of concepts such as therapy, enhancement, and even humanness itself. We will use non-fiction books, film, scientific literature, and essays to explore how the human genome intersects with external modification. 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
INTD 0500
Upcoming
Independent Study
Course Description
Independent Study
Approval Required
Terms Taught
MBBC 0500
Upcoming
Independent Research
Course Description
Independent Research
This course is for non-seniors wishing to conduct independent research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Additional requirements include attendance at all MBBC-sponsored seminars and seminars sponsored by the faculty mentor’s department, and participation in any scheduled meetings and disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. (Approval required).
Terms Taught
MBBC 0700
Current
Upcoming
Senior Independent Research
Course Description
Senior Independent Research
Seniors conducting independent research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry under the guidance of a faculty mentor should register for MBBC 0700 unless they are completing a thesis project (in which case they should register for MBBC 0701). Additional requirements include attendance at all MBBC-sponsored seminars and seminars sponsored by the faculty mentor’s department, and participation in any scheduled meetings and disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. (Approval required).
Terms Taught
MBBC 0701
Current
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis
This course is for seniors completing independent thesis research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry that was initiated in BIOL 0500, CHEM 0400, MBBC 0500, or MBBC 0700. Students will attend weekly meetings with their designated research group and engage in one-on-one meetings with their research mentor to foster understanding in their specialized research area. Students will also practice the stylistic and technical aspects of scientific writing needed to write their thesis. (BIOL 0500, CHEM 0400, MBBC 0500, MBBC 0700) (Approval required).
Terms Taught
Areas of Interest
I attended Cornell University, majoring in cell biology and genetics and earned my Ph.D. at Weill Cornell Graduate School in Medical Sciences in cancer biology. I conducted my research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute studying the molecular cause of acute promyelocytic leukemia. My post-doctoral work at The Jackson Laboratory focused on the genetic basis for accurate production of gametes during mammalian meiosis and reproduction.
My current research interests include reproductive genetics in mammals and genetics in general in diverse systems, inclusive STEM education strategies, and the intersection of biotechnology and society. In the area of reproductive genetics, we have shown that the gene Hei10 is essential for reproduction and plays a key role in determining the frequency of the meiotic DNA exchange known as crossing-over. Similarly, we have also shown that the gene Akap9 is necessary for male meiosis and most likely functions during meiosis and sperm maturation in the testes. In collaboration with colleagues in Psychology and Neuroscience, we have also identified regions of the mouse genome responsible for testicular size variation. Our laboratory is also involved in research identifying the prevalence of the Lyme disease causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, in ticks in Vermont, developing biosensors for B. burgdorferi, and studying the role of altitude in B. burgdorferi infection rates.
Publications
2020
Katherine E. Parker, Jeremy O. Ward, Erin M. Eggleston, Evan Fedorov, John Everett Parkinson, Craig P. Dahlgren & Ross Cunning. Characterization of a thermally tolerant Orbicella faveolata reef in Abaco, The Bahamas. Coral Reefs v. 39, pages 675-685 (2020).
C. Merenstein, J. Ward, and D. Allen. Diplorickettsia in the microbiome of an Ixodes scapularis tick in western Vermont. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2020.
2019
Allen D, Borgmann-Winter B, Bashor L, Ward J. The Density of the Lyme Disease Vector, Ixodes scapularis (Blacklegged Tick), Differs Between the Champlain Valley and Green Mountains, Vermont. Northeast Nat (Steuben). 2019 Jul;26(3):545-560.
2018
Joshua T. Yuan, Daniel M. Gatti, Vivek M. Philip, Steven Kasparek, Andrew M. Kreuzman, Benjamin Mansky, Kayvon Sharif, Dominik Taterra, Walter M. Taylor, Mary Thomas, Jeremy O. Ward, Andrew Holmes, Elissa J. Chesler, and Clarissa C. Parker. Genome-wide association for testis weight in the diversity outbred mouse population. Mamm Genome (2018) 29: 310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00335-018-9745-8
2014
Qiao, H., Prasada Rao, H. B. D., Yang, Y., Fong, J. H., Cloutier, J. M., Deacon, D. C., Nagel, K. E., Swartz R.K., Strong, E., Holloway, J.K., Cohen, P.E., Schimenti, J., Ward, J., and Hunter, N.(2014). Antagonistic roles of ubiquitin ligase HEI10 and SUMO ligase RNF212 regulate meiotic recombination. Nat Genet, 2014 Jan 5. doi:10.1038/ng.2858
2013
Schimenti, K. J., Feuer, S. K., Griffin, L. B., Graham, N. R., Bovet, C. A., Hartford, S., Pendola, J., et al. (2013). AKAP9 is essential for spermatogenesis and sertoli cell maturation in mice. Genetics,194(2), 447-57. 2013 Jun. doi:10.1534/genetics.113.150789
2007
Ward, J. O., Reinholdt, L. G., Motley, W. W., Niswander, L. M., Deacon, D. C., Griffin, L. B., Langlais, K. K., et al. (2007). Mutation in mouse hei10, an e3 ubiquitin ligase, disrupts meiotic crossing over. PLoS Genet, 3(8), e139. 2007 Aug. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.0030139
Kim, S., Namekawa, S. H., Niswander, L. M., Ward, J. O., Lee, J. T., Bardwell, V. J., & Zarkower, D. (2007). A mammal-specific Doublesex homolog associates with male sex chromatin and is required for male meiosis. PLoS Genet, 3(4), e62. 2007 Apr 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.0030062
2003
Ward, J. O., Reinholdt, L. G., Hartford, S. A., Wilson, L. A., Munroe, R. J., Schimenti, K. J., Libby, B. J., et al. (2003). Toward the genetics of mammalian reproduction: induction and mapping of gametogenesis mutants in mice. Biol Reprod, 69(5), 1615-25. 2003 Nov. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.103.019877