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Mauricio S. Antunes

Title: Assistant Professor

Department: Biological Sciences

College: College of Science

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae Link

Education

  • PhD, Purdue University, 2003
    Major: Botany & Plant Pathology
    Specialization: Plant Molecular Biology
  • Certificate, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University, 2002
    Major: Applied Management Principles
  • MSc, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, 1995
    Major: Crop Sciences
  • BS, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, 1993
    Major: Agronomy

Current Scheduled Teaching

BIOL 4005.001Contemporary Topics in BiologySpring 2025
BIOL 5005.001TOPICS IN BIOLOGYSpring 2025
BIOL 3901.001Advanced Research in MicrobiologyFall 2024 Syllabus
BIOC 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2024 Syllabus
BIOC 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2024
BIOL 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2024 Syllabus
BIOL 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2024
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2024
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2024
BIOL 4900.715Special ProblemsFall 2024

Previous Scheduled Teaching

BIOC 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneSpring 2024 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneSpring 2024 SPOT
BIOL 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneSpring 2024 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneSpring 2024 SPOT
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchSpring 2024
BIOL 4005.009Contemporary Topics in BiologyFall 2023 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 3996.715Honors College Mentored Research ExperienceFall 2023
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2023
BIOC 5900.715Special ProblemsFall 8W2 2023
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchSummer 10W 2023
BIOL 4900.715Special ProblemsSummer 10W 2023
BIOL 1710.002Biology for Science Majors ISpring 2023 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchSpring 2023
BIOC 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2022 SPOT
BIOL 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2022 SPOT
BIOL 4005.009Contemporary Topics in BiologyFall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2022
BIOC 5950.715Master's ThesisFall 2022
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchSummer SUM 2022
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchSummer 10W 2022
BIOC 5950.715Master's ThesisSummer 10W 2022
BIOL 1710.002Biology for Science Majors ISpring 2022 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchSpring 2022
BIOC 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2021 SPOT
BIOL 4005.009Contemporary Topics in BiologyFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2021
BIOL 5950.715Master's ThesisSummer 10W 2021
BIOL 1710.002Biology for Science Majors ISpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchSpring 2021
BIOC 5950.715Master's ThesisSpring 2021
BIOC 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2020 SPOT
BIOL 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 5340.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2020 SPOT
BIOL 4005.009Contemporary Topics in BiologyFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2020
BIOC 5950.715Master's ThesisFall 2020
BIOC 5950.715Master's ThesisSummer 10W 2020
BIOL 1710.002Biology for Science Majors ISpring 2020 Syllabus
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchSpring 2020
BIOL 4900.715Special ProblemsSpring 2020
BIOC 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 4570.001Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the GeneFall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
BIOC 6940.715Individual ResearchFall 2019
BIOL 1710.002Biology for Science Majors ISpring 2019 Syllabus SPOT
BIOL 6940.715Individual ResearchSpring 2019

Published Intellectual Contributions

    Abstracts and Proceedings

  • Kassaw, T.K., Xu, W., Zalewski, C.W., Kiwimagi, K., Weiss, R., Antunes, M.S., Prasad, A., Medford, J.I. (2022). Developing a genetic toggle switch in Arabidopsis. Bulletin of the American Physical Society. 67 (3) F04.003.
  • Kiwimagi, K., Antunes, M.S., Xu, W., Kassaw, T.K., Zalewski, C., Medford, J.I., Prasad, A. (2020). Synthetic genetic circuits using plant protoplasts. Bulletin of the American Physical Society. 65 (1) U26.002.
  • Schaumberg, K., Antunes, M.S., Kassaw, T.K., Xu, W., Zalewski, C., Medford, J.I., Prasad, A. (2016). Quantitative characterization of genetic parts and circuits using protoplasts for plant synthetic biology. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 27 (25) M270.
  • Schaefer, T.T., Medford, J.I., Antunes, M.S., Morey, K.J. (2015). Optimization of a conditionally stable transcription factor for the detection of progesterone in Arabidopsis thaliana using protoplast luciferase imaging. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 26 (25) P1920.
  • Shaw, A.K., Medford, J.I., Antunes, M.S., McCormick, W.S., Wicker, D. (2007). Hyperspectral Exploitation with Plant Sentinels. SPIE: The International Society for Optics and Photonics. 6554 (65540S) 12.
  • Conference Proceeding

  • Schaumberg, K., Xu, W., Zalewski, C., Kassaw, T., Antunes, M.S., Medford, J., Prasad, A. (2015). Methods for quantitative analysis in plant synthetic biology. ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. 249 BIOT 333.
  • Journal Article

  • Antunes, M.S. (2024). An inclusive Research and Education Community (iREC) model to facilitate undergraduate science education reform. Other. 9 1442318.
  • Ferreira, S.S., Antunes, M.S. (2024). Genetically encoded Boolean logic operators to sense and integrate phenylpropanoid metabolite levels in plants. New Phytologist. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nph.19823
  • Hanauer, D.I., Zhang, T., Graham, M.J., Adams, S.D., Ahumada-Santos, Y.P., Alvey, R.M., Antunes, M.S., Ayuk, M.A., Elena Báez-Flores, M., Bancroft, C.T., Bates, T.C., Bechman, M.J., Behr, E., Beyer, A.R., Bortz, R.L., Bowder, D.M., Briggs, L.A., Brown-Kennerly, V., Buckholt, M.A., Bullock, S.K., Butela, K.A., Byrum, C.A., Caruso, S.M., Chia, C.P., Chong, R.A., Chung, H., Clase, K.L., Coleman, S.T., Parks Collins, D., Conant, S.B., Condon, B.M., Connerly, P.L., Connors, B.J., Cook-Easterwood, J.E., Crump, K.E., D’Elia, T., Dennis, M.K., DeVeaux, L.C., Diacovich, L., Duffy, I., Edgington, N.P., Edwards, D.C., Egwuatu, T.O., Eivazova, E.R., Fallest-Strobl, P.C., Fillman, C.L., Findley, A.M., Fisher, E., Fisher, M.R., Fogarty, M.P., Freise, A.C., Frost, V.J., Gainey, M.D., Garcia Costas, A.M., Garza, A.A., Gavin, H.E., Ghittoni, R., Gibb, B., Golebiewska, U.P., Grinath, A.S., Gurney, S.M., Hare, R.F., Heninger, S.G., Hinz, J.M., Hughes, L.E., Jayachandran, P., Johnson, K.C., Johnson, A.A., Kanther, M., Kenna, M., Kirkpatrick, B.L., Klyczek, K.K., Kohl, K.P., Kuchka, M., LaPeruta, A.J., Lee-Soety, J.Y., Lewis, L.O., Lindberg, H.M., Madden, J.A., Markov, S.A., Mastropaolo, M.D., Mathur, V., McClory, S.P., Merkhofer, E.C., Merkle, J.A., Michael, S.F., Mitchell, J.C., Molloy, S.D., Monti, D.L., Mussi, M.A., Nance, H., Nieto-Fernandez, F.E., Nissen, J.C., Nsa, I.Y., O’Donnell, M.G., Page, S.T., Panagakis, A., Parra-Unda, J.R., Pelletier, T.A., Perez Morales, T.G., Peters, N.T., Phuntumart, V., Pollenz, R.S., Preuss, M.L., Puthoff, D.P., Raifu, M.K., Reyna, N.S., Rinehart, C.A., Rocheleau, J.M., Rossier, O., Rudner, A.D., Rueschhoff, E.E., Ryan, A., Saha, S., Shaffer, C.D., Smith, M.A., Sprenkle, A.B., Strong, C.L., Sunnen, C.N., Tarbox, B.P., Temple, L., Thoemke, K.R., Thomas, M.A., Tobiason, D.M., Tolsma, S.S., Garcia, J.T., Valentine, M.S., Vazquez, E., Ward, R.E., Ward, C.M., Ware, V.C., Warner, M.H., Washington, J.M., Westholm, D.E., Wheaton, K.A., Wilkes, B.M., Williams, E.C., Biederman, W.H., Cresawn, S.G., Heller, D.M., Jacobs-Sera, D., Hatfull, G.F., Asai, D.J., Sivanathan, V. (2023). Models of classroom assessment for course-based research experiences. Other. 8 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2023.1279921
  • Anderson, C.E., Ferreira, S.S., Antunes, M.S. (2023). Integration of multiple stress signals in plants using synthetic Boolean logic gates. Plant Physiology. 192 (4) 3189–3202. https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/192/4/3189/7146947
  • Ferreira, S.S., Anderson, C.E., Antunes, M.S. (2023). A Logical Way to Reprogram Plants. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 654 80-86. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X23002668
  • Amack, S.C., Ferreira, S.S., Antunes, M. (2023). Tuning the Transcriptional Activity of the CaMV 35S Promoter in Plants by Single-Nucleotide Changes in the TATA Box. Other. 12 (1) 178-185. American Chemical Society (ACS). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acssynbio.2c00457
  • Ferreira, S., Antunes, M. (2021). Re-engineering plant phenylpropanoid metabolism with the aid of synthetic biosensors. Frontiers in Plant Science. 12 701385. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.701385/full
  • Amack, S.C., Antunes, M.S. (2020). CaMV35S promoter--a plant biology and biotechnology workhorse in the era of synthetic biology. Other. 24 100179. Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214662820300608
  • Vasconcelos, M.V., Antunes, M.S., Oliveira, M.F., Lopes, M.A., Figueiredo, J.F. (2018). Callus induction and plant regeneration from immature embryos culture of tropical maize. Other. 17 (3) 359-368. https://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/handle/doc/1103395
  • Kassaw, T.K., Donayre-Torres, A.J., Antunes, M.S., Morey, K.J., Medford, J.I. (2018). Engineering synthetic regulatory circuits in plants. Plant Science. 273 13-22. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945218300529
  • Bick, M.J., Greisen, P.J., Morey, K.J., Antunes, M.S., La, D., Sankaran, B., Reymond, L., Johnsson, K., Medford, J.I., Baker, D. (2017). Computational design of environmental sensors for the potent opioid fentanyl. eLife. 6 23.
  • Antunes, M.S., Hodges, T.K., Carpita, N.C. (2016). A benzoate-activated promoter from Aspergillus niger and regulation of its activity. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 100 (12) 5479-5489.
  • Yang, H., Wei, H., Ma, G., Antunes, M.S., Vogt, S., Cox, J., Zhang, X., Liu, X., Bu, L., Gleber, S.C., Carpita, N.C., Makowski, L., Himmel, M.E., Tucker, M.P., McCann, M.C., Murphy, A.S., Peer, W.A. (2016). Cell wall targeted in planta iron accumulation enhances biomass conversion and seed iron concentration in Arabidopsis and rice. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 14 (10) 1998-2009.
  • Schaumberg, K.A., Antunes, M.S., Kassaw, T.K., Xu, W., Zalewski, C.S., Medford, J.I., Prasad, A. (2016). Quantitative characterization of genetic parts and circuits for plant synthetic biology. Other. 13 (1) 94-100.
  • Feng, J., Jester, B.W., Tinberg, C.E., Mandell, D.J., Antunes, M.S., Chari, R., Morey, K.J., Rios, X., Medford, J.I., Church, G.M., Fields, S., Baker, D. (2015). A general strategy to construct small molecule biosensors in eukaryotes. eLife. 4
  • Antunes, M.S., Smith, J.J., Jantz, D., Medford, J.I. (2012). Targeted DNA excision in Arabidopsis by a re-engineered homing endonuclease. Other. 12 12.
  • Antunes, M.S., Morey, K.J., Smith, J.J., Albrecht, K.D., Bowen, T.A., Zdunek, J.K., Troupe, J.F., Cuneo, M.J., Webb, C.T., Hellinga, H.W., Medford, J.I. (2011). Programmable Ligand Detection System in Plants through a Synthetic Signal Transduction Pathway. PLOS One. 6 (1) 11.
  • Antunes, M.S., Morey, K.J., Tewari-Singh, N., Bowen, T.A., Smith, J.J., Webb, C.T., Hellinga, H.W., Medford, J.I. (2009). Engineering key components in a synthetic eukaryotic signal transduction pathway. Other. 5 (270) 11.
  • Antunes, M.S., Ha, S., Tewari-Singh, N., Morey, K.J., Trofka, A.M., Kugrens, P., Deyholos, M., Medford, J.I. (2006). A synthetic de-greening gene circuit provides a reporting system that is remotely detectable and has a re-set capacity. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 4 (6) 605-622.
  • Review

  • Morey, K.J., Antunes, M.S., Barrow, M.J., Solorzano, F.A., Havens, K.L., Smith, J.J., Medford, J. (2012). Crosstalk between endogenous and synthetic components - synthetic signaling meets endogenous components. Biotechnology Journal. 7 (7) 846-855.
  • Morey, K.J., Antunes, M.S., Albrecht, K.D., Bowen, T.A., Troupe, J.F., Havens, K.L., Medford, J.I. (2011). Developing a synthetic signal transduction system in plants. Other. Methods in Enzymology. 497 581-602.

Contracts, Grants and Sponsored Research

    Contract

  • Antunes, M.S. (Co-Principal), Medford, J.I. (Principal), "Synthetic Biological Desalination," sponsored by DARPA - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, $2070000 Funded. (2015 - 2018).
  • Antunes, M.S. (Co-Principal), Medford, J.I. (Principal), "Quantitative analysis of synthetic gene parts for plants," sponsored by Office of Naval Research - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, $150000 Funded. (2014 - 2016).
  • Antunes, M. (Principal), Medford, J. (Co-Principal), Kipper, M. (Co-Principal), "Engineering synthetic production of durable polymers in plants," sponsored by DARPA - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, Funded. (2018 - 2019).
  • Grant - Research

  • Antunes, M., "Establishing the biochemical determinants of microRNA long-distance mobility in plants," sponsored by Welch Foundation, State, $240000 Funded. (2021 - 2024).
  • Antunes, M.S. (Principal), Bozdag, S. (Co-Principal), "Identification of early-response small-RNA signatures of biotic stress in plants," sponsored by UNT CENG, COS and VPRI, University of North Texas, $10000 Funded. (2023 - 2024).
  • McGarry, R.C., Antunes, M.S., "Applying natural mobility factors to facilitate meristem gene editing with RNA viruses.," sponsored by BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, $10000 Funded. (2022 - 2022).
  • Antunes, M. (Principal), Alonso, A. (Co-Principal), "Malonyl-CoA sensing and activation of lipid synthesis in pennycress plants," sponsored by UNT College of Science, University of North Texas, $9000 Funded. (2021 - 2022).
  • Berman, D. (Co-Principal), Ayre, B.G. (Co-Principal), Antunes, M.S. (Co-Principal), "Plant fiber-based structures with integrated functional components for enhanced utility.," sponsored by UNT BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, $10000 Funded. (2019 - 2021).
  • Antunes, M. (Principal), "Global analysis of gene expression in Arabidopsis plants treated with a biostimulant," sponsored by Agricen Sciences, Inc., Private, $22005 Funded. (2020 - 2020).
  • Antunes, M.S. (Principal), Medford, J. (Co-Principal), Kipper, M. (Co-Principal), "Engineering synthetic production of durable polymers in plants," sponsored by DARPA - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, $1700000 Funded. (2018 - 2019).
  • Antunes, M.S. (Co-Principal), Medford, J.I. (Principal), Prasad, A. (Co-Principal), "Synthetic Gene Circuits to Enhance Production of Transgenic Bioenergy Crops," sponsored by ARPA-e, Federal, $2150000 Funded. (2013 - 2015).
  • Antunes, M.S. (Principal), "Establishing the biochemical determinants of microRNA long-distance mobility in plants," sponsored by Robert A. Welch Foundation, FOND, Funded. (2021 - 2024).
  • Antunes, M.S. (Principal), "Global analysis of gene expression in Arabidopsis plants treated with a biostimulant�," sponsored by Agricen Sciences, Inc., IND, Funded. (2020 - 2020).
  • Grant - Teaching

  • Antunes, M. (Principal), Henard, C.A. (Co-Principal), Alberts, A. (Supporting), Hughes, L.E. (Co-Principal), "HHMI SEA-GENES Project," sponsored by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Private, $11000 Funded. (2019).
  • Antunes, M. (Principal), Henard, C. (Co-Principal), Alberts, A. (Supporting), Hughes, L. (Co-Principal), "HHMI SEA-GENES Project," sponsored by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Private, Funded. (2019).
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Overall
Summative Rating
Challenge and
Engagement Index
Response Rate

out of 5

out of 7
%
of
students responded
  • Overall Summative Rating (median):
    This rating represents the combined responses of students to the four global summative items and is presented to provide an overall index of the class’s quality. Overall summative statements include the following (response options include a Likert scale ranging from 5 = Excellent, 3 = Good, and 1= Very poor):
    • The course as a whole was
    • The course content was
    • The instructor’s contribution to the course was
    • The instructor’s effectiveness in teaching the subject matter was
  • Challenge and Engagement Index:
    This rating combines student responses to several SPOT items relating to how academically challenging students found the course to be and how engaged they were. Challenge and Engagement Index items include the following (response options include a Likert scale ranging from 7 = Much higher, 4 = Average, and 1 = Much lower):
    • Do you expect your grade in this course to be
    • The intellectual challenge presented was
    • The amount of effort you put into this course was
    • The amount of effort to succeed in this course was
    • Your involvement in course (doing assignments, attending classes, etc.) was
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