Dr. Samuel T. Waters is an Associate Professor and Biology Program Coordinator at the University of the District of Columbia, specializing in developmental biology and the role of homeobox genes (Gbx1 and Gbx2) in neural crest cell migration and sensorimotor circuit development. His research, funded by the National Science Foundation, explores genetic regulation in embryonic development, and he has been recognized with the 2024 BEYA Modern-Day Technology Leader Award.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology, University of Virginia Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health, San Diego State University
Roles
Associate Professor and Biology Program Coordinator, Division of Sciences and Mathematics, UDC, 2023-Present Assistant Professor and Biology Program Coordinator, Division of Sciences and Mathematics, UDC, 2017-23 Senior Biologist, Kelly Scientific, American Type Culture Collection, 2015-16 Assistant Professor, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, 2006-14 Postdoctoral Fellow (CRTA), National Cancer Institute 2001-06
Courses Taught
General Genetics Lecture/Lab Microbiology Lecture/Lab Introduction to Biology Lecture/Lab Embryology Lecture/Lab Advanced Genetics Lecture/Lab Undergraduate Research Biology 401/402 Molecular Biology Lecture/Lab 490/491 Developmental Biology 495 Undergraduate Introduction to Cell Biology Neural Development in Health and Disease
Expertise
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Homeobox genes Gbx1 and Gbx2; how transcription factors guide the development of motor circuits—like those used for suckling and walking—by influencing cell positioning and identity in neural crest-derived cells and neurons
Leadership
Biology Program Coordinator, UDC, 2017-25
Impact
Selected Publications
Roeseler, D. A., Strader, L., Anderson, M. J., & Waters, S. T. (2020). Gbx2 is required for the migration and survival of a subpopulation of trigeminal cranial neural crest cells. Journal of Developmental Biology, 8(4), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb8040033
Buckley, D. M., Burroughs-Garcia, J., Kriks, S., Lewandoski, M., & Waters, S. T. (2020). Gbx1 and Gbx2 are essential for normal patterning and development of interneurons and motor neurons in the embryonic spinal cord. Journal of Developmental Biology, 8(2), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb8020009
Selected Presentations
Waters, S. T. (2019). Gbx2 is required for the migration and survival of a subpopulation of trigeminal cranial neural crest.Department of Anatomy Seminar Series, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Waters, S. T. (2018). Gbx2 is required for the migration and survival of a subpopulation of trigeminal cranial neural crest. Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Frederick Maryland.
Selected Grants
National Science Foundation. (2020). Impact of Gbx2 on neural crest cells during neuronal, craniofacial and cardiovascular development.
National Science Foundation. (2010). Gbx2 is required for the migration and survival of a subpopulation of trigeminal cranial neural crest.
Recognitions
Black Engineer of the Year Modern-Day Technology Leader Award, BEYA STEM DTX Conference, 2024
Invited Participations
Waters, S. T. (2023). Trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal nerves in Gbx2 neo/neo mouse mutants. Anatomy Connected, Washington, D.C.
Waters, S. T. (2021). Are you teaching content, or just covering material?University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
