Welcome to the Reed Lab
Diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are due to highly complex interactions between thousands of genetic loci and environmental effects including lifestyle. These effects are transmitted through a network of physiological interactions about which we have a limited understanding. We can, however, gain understanding of these effects using the model organism Drosophila (fruit fly), which shares much of its biology with humans conserved from our common evolutionary ancestor. The Reed Lab research uses genomic, metabolomic, computational, and experimental tools in Drosophila to understand the genetic, evolutionary, and physiological bases for the interaction effects between an organism’s genome and the environment. We have a special focus on metabolic traits, such as novel detoxification mechanisms, and diseases like obesity.

Reed Lab Members
Don’t forget about the list of helpful links when you are conducting statistical analyses, creating your presentations, or looking for funding opportunities.
Prospective Students
If you are interested in what we do here in the Reed Lab, check out our research and publications for more information.
- Like what you see? If you are interested in joining our lab, find out more about the application process for prospective PhD, Masters, and undergraduate students.
Genomics Education Partnership

Are you a faculty member interested in implementing a genomics research experience and active learning in your undergraduate classes?
Dr. Reed is the Program Director of the Genomics Education Partnership, a nationwide collaboration of 150+ institutions that integrates active learning into the undergraduate curriculum through Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) centered in bioinformatics and genomics. Contact Laura Reed with questions, thoughts, or interest in joining.
Mailing Address
Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Alabama
Box 870344
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0344
Physical Address
The Reed Lab is located on the second floor of the Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) at 300 Hackberry Lane.
Lab: SEC 2317
Office: SEC 2330