Pat directs the research in a lab that examines diverse and fundamental biological questions using the fruitfly, Drosophila, as an experimental system. He has active research projects investigating the mechanisms and regulation of the conserved responses elicited by hypoxia (low oxygen). He also focusses on the subtle and complex process of cell division, as well as the fruitfly's innate immune response.

• 2D gels and proteomics

• the beginning of reverse genetics - cloning engrailed

• homeodomain proteins are transcription regulators

• the string story - how development controls the cell

cycle