College of Natural Sciences Faculty Spotlight: Marcos Corchado-Sonera
Posted: February 10, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
Dr. Marcos Corchado-Sonera joined SUU in the fall of 2021. Originally from Puerto Rico, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez. Dr. Corchado-Sonera started his undergraduate education studying mechanical engineering due to an interest in astrophysics and eventually completed a double major in engineering and biology.
Following his undergraduate degree, Dr. Corchado-Sonera moved on to The Ohio State University, where he completed a PhD in Molecular Genetics, specializing in genetics and developmental biology. He used C. elegans, a nematode worm, as a model organism to study cell communication under conditions of deregulated signaling - which can lead to cancer. Ultimately, his research identified genes that may act as switches for cancer activation in surrounding healthy tissues.
Here at SUU Dr. Corchado-Sonera is still working in the field of genetics and teaches genetics and developmental biology courses in the Biology Department. However, research-wise his focus has shifted from developmental biology to conservation biology. His work aims to contribute to the development of mitigation plans to conserve rare species in southern Utah. “What I find appealing about this ‘smaller scale’ science is that it has an immediate impact once the data is analyzed and published,” Dr. Corchado-Sonera shared. This research is also more readily accessible to undergraduate students who don’t need to spend weeks or months learning all the details of a model organism and the complexities of developmental biology.
Among his many projects, Dr. Corchado-Sonera is currently examining two local species with needs for ongoing conservation. First, he is looking at the diet of Mojave Desert Tortoises. By examining the make-up of the fecal material of the tortoises, he can help guide effective restoration practices in fire-damaged habitats for this threatened species here in southern Utah. Another project involves an investigation of the role of clonal versus sexual reproduction in the rare Welch’s milkweed plant at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. This research will reveal how the plant adapts to sand dune disturbances and stabilizations. The milkweed project was recently given a financial boost as Dr. Corchado-Sonera garnered his first research grant, which will allow for a more thorough genetic analysis. Given the conservation needs of this plant, this is a worthwhile investment.
In addition to the genetics research and teaching that he does here in the college, Dr. Corchado-Sonera is also helping the Biology Department keep current in a rapidly changing and technological world. He is one of the leaders in the development of a new Biotechnology degree pathway for SUU students. In this role, Dr. Corchado-Sonera is developing a new course in Bioinformatics and has brought next-generation genetic sequencing technology to our campus.
Away from campus, Dr. Corchado-Sonera and his partner are avid outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy spending time rock climbing and mountain biking. He refers to his SUU colleagues as his family, and we are delighted he is part of T-Bird Nation!
