William Gerald Alexander
425-G Henry Mall, 4350 Genetics Biotechnology Center, Madison, WI, 53706
walexander@wisc.edu
BIRTH/CITIZENSHIP
Missouri, United States of America
EDUCATION
2005-2011
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
Dissertation Title: Meiotic Silencing by Unpaired DNA: Elucidation of a New Gene
Silencing Pathway
Dissertation Committee: Patrick Shiu, James Birchler, Troy Zars, Jan Miernyk
Summary: I ported an in vivo protein interaction method into the fungus Neurospora
crassa, I implicated two genes in a sexual RNA interference pathway, and I
demonstrated the ability of the mating type locus to protect genes from meiotic silencing.
2001-2005
Bachelors of Science, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
Major: Biology, Minor: Chemistry
Graduated cum laude
GPA: 3.62
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2011-present Postdoctoral Research Associate (Mentor: Chris Todd Hittinger)
Laboratory of Genetics/DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
2006-2011
Dissertation Research (Mentor: Patrick Shiu)
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
2005
Rotating Graduate Student (Mentors: Patrick Shiu, Kathleen Newton, Steven Nothwehr)
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
2004
Undergraduate Research Intern (Mentor: Jan Miernyk)
Department of Biochemistry
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
2003
NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Fellow (Mentor: Jan Miernyk)
Department of Biochemistry
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
2001-2004
Undergraduate Researcher (Mentor: Cynthia Cooper)
Department of Biology
Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering in yeasts and fungi, gene regulation, biotechnology,
zymurgy, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, systems biology, mycology, chemical biology
Curriculum vita
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
2016
2016
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2014
2014
2014
2013
2010
2010
2009
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Clark University, Worcester, MA
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
Ginkgo Bioworks, Boston, MA
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
10th Annual DoE JGI User Meeting, Walnut Creek, CA
28th Fungal Genetics at Asilomar, Pacific Grove, CA
Evolution Seminar Series, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
7th Annual Midwest Yeast Meeting, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
GLBRC Annual Retreat, South Bend, IN
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
GLBRC Annual Retreat, South Bend, IN
Gordon Conference on Cellular and Molecular Fungal Biology, Holderness, NH
Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
25th Fungal Genetics at Asilomar, Pacific Grove, CA
PUBLICATIONS
(* and † denote equal contribution; h-index=4, i10-index=4)
Alexander WG, Wisecaver JH, Rokas A, and Hittinger CT. Horizontally acquired genes in earlydiverging pathogenic fungi enable the use of host nucleosides and nucleotides. PNAS, in press.
Wisecaver JH, Alexander WG, King SB, Hittinger CT, and Rokas A. Dynamic evolution of nitric oxide
detoxifying flavohemoglobins, a family of single-protein metabolic modules in bacteria and eukaryotes.
Submitted.
Alexander WG, Peris D, Pfannenstiel B, Opulente D, Kuang M, and Hittinger CT. (2016) Efficient
engineering of marker-free synthetic allotetraploids of Saccharomyces. Fungal Genet. Biol., in press,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2015.11.002.
Momany M, Di Pietro A, Alexander WG, Barker B, Harb OS, Kamoun S, Martin F, Pires JC, Stajich JE,
Thomma BPHJ, and Unruh S. (2015) Meeting Report: Fungal Genomics Meets Social Media:
Highlights of the 28th Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar. G3 5(12): 2523-2525.
Alexander WG, Doering DT, and Hittinger CT. (2014) High-efficiency genome editing and allele
replacement in prototrophic and wild strains of Saccharomyces. Genetics 198(3): 859-866.
Peris D, Sylvester K, Libkind D, Gonçalves P, Sampaio JP, Alexander WG, and Hittinger CT. (2014)
Population structure and reticulate evolution of Saccharomyces eubayanus and its lager-brewing
hybrids. Mol. Ecol. 23(8): 2031-2045.
Xiao H†, Alexander WG†, Hammond TM†, Boone EC, Perdue TC, Pukkila PJ, and Shiu PKT. (2010)
QIP, a protein that converts duplex siRNA into single strands, is required for Meiotic Silencing by
Unpaired DNA. Genetics 186(1): 119-126.
Alexander WG*, Raju NB*, Xiao H*, Hammond TM, Perdue TD, Metzenberg RL, Pukkila PJ, and Shiu
PKT. (2008) DCL-1 colocalizes with other components of the MSUD machinery and is required for
silencing. Fungal Genet. Biol. 45(5): 719-727.
Bardiya N, Alexander WG, Perdue TD, Barry EG, Metzenberg RL, Pukkila PJ, and Shiu PKT. (2008)
Characterization of interactions between and among components of MSUD machinery in Neurospora
crassa using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation. Genetics 178(1): 593-596.
In preparation
Rhoades N, Manichotpisit P, Bellout S, Alexander WG, Sauls P, Ralalage D, Shiu PKT, and Hammond
TH. Factors influencing the efficiency of unpaired DNA detection in Neurospora crassa.
William G. Alexander
Curriculum vita
PATENTS
Alexander, WG and Hittinger, CT. "Constructs and methods for genome editing and genetic
engineering of fungi." Preliminary patent filed via Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation,
#P140240US01.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICE
Member:
Reviewer:
2014-2015
2011
2007-2008
2007-2008
2006-2007
2005-2011
2003-2004
2003-2004
2002-2003
Genetics Society of America, Mycological Society of America, Alpha Chi Sigma, Tau
Kappa Epsilon
Genome Research, Yeast, Fungal Genetics and Biology
Representative of Conversion Area for GLBRC Retreat 2015
Poster Judge, Laboratory of Genetics Annual Retreat
University of Missouri Graduate Student Association Treasurer
University of Missouri Biology Graduate Student Association President
University of Missouri Biology Graduate Student Association Vice-President
University of Missouri Biology Graduate Student Association member
Tau Kappa Epsilon Iota-Gamma Chapter President
Alpha Chi Sigma Gamma Chapter Secretary
Tau Kappa Epsilon Iota-Gamma Chapter Treasurer
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Instructor Experience
2011
Introductory Biology Lecture and Lab
Columbia College, Lake Ozark, MO
2008
Genetics Lecture and Lab
Columbia College, Columbia, MO
Teaching Assistant Experience
Spring 2011 Introductory Biology for Majors Laboratory, Supervisor: Richard Daniel
Fall 2010
Genetics Laboratory, Supervisor: Miriam Golomb
Fall 2009
Genetics Recitation, Supervisor: Patrick Shiu
Fall 2008
Genetics Recitation, Supervisor: Patrick Shiu
Spring 2008
Genetics Recitation, Supervisor: John David
Fall 2007
Genetics Recitation, Supervisor: Patrick Shiu
Spring 2007
Introductory Biology for Majors Laboratory, Supervisor: Richard Daniel
Fall 2006
Genetics Recitation, Supervisor: Patrick Shiu
Spring 2006
Introductory Biology for Majors Laboratory, Supervisor: Richard Daniel
Fall 2005
Introductory Biology for Majors Laboratory, Supervisor: Richard Daniel
MENTORING EXPERIENCE
Graduate Students
Ashlan Musante, Meihua “Christina” Kuang, EmilyClare Baker, Mary O’Neill, Seth Keel, Maria Sardi,
Mariana Lopes, Elaine Welch, Drew Doering, Brandon Pfannenstiel
Undergraduate Students
Abby Rehard, Ryan Moriarty
William G. Alexander
Curriculum vita
HONORS
2011
2011
2005
2004
2003
Missouri Graduate Student Association Outstanding Graduate Student Nominee
Doctoral dissertation accepted without revision
Graduated Truman State University cum laude
Truman State University President's Recognition Award
NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Fellow
AWARDS
2013
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
$750 to attend the inaugural Synthetic Biology course
2009
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellow
$30,000 over one year for graduate stipend, research materials, and travel
2009
David Perkins Fund Award
$400 award for exemplary graduate research using Neurospora
2001
Sidel Club Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors Recipient
$1000 towards tuition for a graduating senior
2001
Truman State University Combined Ability Scholarship
$2000/year merit-based scholarship
2001
Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship Recipient
$2000/year for four years towards tuition, room & board at a Missouri state university
POSTER PRESENATIONS
2016
Alexander WG, Rovinskiy N, Lopes M, Peris D, Kang J, Tarver A, Harmon-Smith M,
Cheng J-F, Deutsch S, Piotrowski JS, Sato TK, Gasch AP, and Hittinger CT. The Yeast
Biodesign Library: leveraging DNA synthesis to assess and harness genes from diverse
organisms. Department of Energy Contractors Meeting, Tysons, VA.
2015
Alexander WG, Doering DT, Rovinskiy N, Lopes M, Peris D, Kang J, Tarver A, HarmonSmith M, Cheng J-F, Deutsch S, Piotrowski JS, Sato TK, Gasch AP, and Hittinger CT.
Enabling recombinatorial fungal metabolic engineering via genome editing and DNA
synthesis. GLBRC Annual Retreat, South Bend, IN.
2015
Alexander WG, Doering DT, Rovinskiy N, Lopes M, Peris D, Kang J, Tarver A, HarmonSmith M, Cheng J-F, Deutsch S, Piotrowski JS, Sato TK, Gasch AP, and Hittinger CT.
Enabling recombinatorial fungal metabolic engineering via genome editing and DNA
synthesis. 10th Annual Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute User Meeting,
Walnut Grove, CA.
2015
Alexander WG, Doering DT, Rovinskiy N, Lopes M, Peris D, Kang J, Tarver A, HarmonSmith M, Cheng J-F, Deutsch S, Piotrowski JS, Sato TK, Gasch AP, and Hittinger CT.
Enabling recombinatorial fungal metabolic engineering via genome editing and DNA
synthesis. 25th Annual Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar, Pacific Grove, CA.
2014
Alexander WG, Doering DT, and Hittinger CT. High efficiency genome editing in
prototrophic and wild strains of Saccharomyces. GLBRC Annual Retreat, South Bend,
IN.
2013
Alexander WG, Parreiras L, La Reau A, Zhang Y, Sato T, and Hittinger CT. The
engineering and characterization of an acetamide consuming strain of Saccharomyces
cerevisiae. GLBRC Annual Retreat, South Bend, IN.
William G. Alexander
Curriculum vita
2010
Alexander WG and Shiu PKT. Mating Type Shielding: Reporter genes at the mat locus
are partially protected from MSUD. Gordon Conference on Cellular and Molecular
Fungal Biology, Holderness, NH.
2010
Alexander WG and Shiu PKT. Mating Type Shielding: Reporter genes at the mat locus
are partially protected from MSUD. Life Sciences Week, University of MissouriColumbia, Columbia, MO.
Alexander WG, Raju NB, Xiao H, Hammond TM, Perdue TD, Metzenberg RL, Pukkila
PJ, and Shiu PKT. DCL-1 colocalizes with other components of the MSUD machinery
and is required for silencing. Life Sciences Week, University of Missouri-Columbia,
Columbia, MO.
2009
2009
Alexander WG, Raju NB, Xiao H, Hammond TM, Perdue TD, Metzenberg RL, Pukkila
PJ, and Shiu PKT. DCL-1 colocalizes with other components of the MSUD machinery
and is required for silencing. 25th Annual Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar,
Pacific Grove, CA.
2009
Alexander WG, Bardiya N, Perdue TD, Barry EG, Metzenberg RL, Pukkila PJ, and Shiu
PKT. Characterization of interactions between and among components of MSUD
machinery in Neurospora crassa using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation. 25th
Annual Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar, Pacific Grove, CA.
2008
Alexander WG, Bardiya N, Perdue TD, Barry EG, Metzenberg RL, Pukkila PJ, and Shiu
PKT. Characterization of interactions between and among components of MSUD
machinery in Neurospora crassa using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation. Life
Sciences Week, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO.
2005
Alexander WG and Miernyk JA. atDjB48, a previously uncharacterized molecular
chaperone from Arabidopsis thaliana. National Conferences on Undergraduate
Research, Washington and Lee University & Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA.
2004
Alexander WG and Miernyk JA. atDjB48, a previously uncharacterized molecular
chaperone from Arabidopsis thaliana. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Truman
State University, Kirksville, MO.
2003
Alexander WG and Miernyk JA. atDjB48, a previously uncharacterized molecular
chaperone from Arabidopsis thaliana. NSF-REU Presentation Day, University of
Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO.
ADVANCED COURSE ATTENDENCE
2015
2013
Chemical Genomics Bootcamp, Instructor: Jeffrey Piotrowski
Wisconsin Energy Institute, Madison, WI
1st Annual Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Synthetic Biology Course
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
MEDIA INTERACTIONS
2016
2015
2014
2014
2014
Research featured in an article in The Isthmus, 01/07/2016
Tweet quoted in Nature news article, “Fruit-fly paper has 1,000 authors,” 05/13/2015
Genetics article featured on www.yeastgenome.org blog, 11/6/2014
Interviewed by Popular Mechanics as expert for “The Science of Why Beer Is So
Delicious,” 10/10/2014
Guest writer at phdtalk.blogspot.com, 9/2/2014
William G. Alexander
Curriculum vita
SKILLS
Spoken Languages
English (Native), Latin (Intermediate)
Programming Languages
Python/Biopython (Intermediate), UNIX (Intermediate), R (Beginner)
Bioinformatics Software
Tuxedo package (Intermediate), RAxML (Intermediate), MrBayes (Intermediate), FloJo (Beginner),
Burrows-Wheeler Aligner (Beginner), Celera Assembler (Beginner), Cytoscape (Beginner)
Molecular Techniques
Standard PCR, Long Range PCR, High Fidelity PCR, Reverse Transcriptase PCR, Yeast-Mediated
Gap Repair Cloning (up to 8 pieces into a vector), Ligase Cloning, Golden Gate Cloning, PCR Sewing,
Yeast and Filamentous Fungal Gene Insertion and Knockout, HERP-Mediated Genome Editing,
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing, Standard Cre-Mediated Recombineering, Cre-Mediated
SCRaMbLE Recombineering, Illumina Library Preparation for gDNA-Seq and RNA-Seq, MinION
Library Preparation & Data Analysis, Flow Cytometry, Tetraploid Laboratory Evolution
REFERENCES
Name
Dr. Chris Todd Hittinger
Dr. Patrick Shiu
Dr. Robert Landick
Dr. James Birchler
Dr. David Savage
William G. Alexander
Email
cthittinger@wisc.edu
shiup@missouri.edu
landick@bact.wisc.edu
birchlerj@missouri.edu
dsavage@berkeley.edu
Relationship
Postdoctoral Adviser
Graduate Adviser
GLBRC Conversion Area Lead
Graduate Committee Member
Instructor, CSHL Synthetic Biology