Assistant Professor of Biology
My research interests involve the intersection of population genetics and cell biology. Specifically, I am interested in how changes in gene regulation (that is, how much protein is produced from a given gene in a cell) impact cellular function. New mutations that alter gene regulation, for better or worse, can also shift the genetic makeup of populations of organisms. To study these topics, I perform experiments in budding yeast to analyze the effects of alterations in gene regulation. I also create mathematical and computational models to predict how new mutations persist in populations of organisms over time. These research projects are perfect opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in research, both computationally and at the lab bench.
Bergen, A.C., Kocik, R.A., Hose, J., McClean, M.N. and Gasch, A.P., 2022. Modeling single-cell phenotypes links yeast stress acclimation to transcriptional repression and pre-stress cellular states. eLife, 11, p.e82017.
Bergen, A.C., Olsen, G.M. and Fay, J.C., 2016. Divergent MLS1 promoters lie on a fitness plateau for gene expression. Molecular biology and evolution, 33(5), pp.1270-1279.
Bergen, A.C., 2015. Mutation load under additive fitness effects. Genetics Research, 97, p.e2.
My own college years were a time of great strengthening of my belief in God, the truth of the resurrection of Jesus, and the trustworthiness of the Bible. I desire to build students up both in their knowledge and analytical skills as scientists, as well as in their faith.
My family and I are excited to be part of the community at Taylor University and Upland. We enjoy being outdoors, playing sports, fishing, reading, and playing (sometimes making up) card and board games.
