The Gibson Lab uses a broad range of contemporary approaches, from molecular genetics to computational modeling, to investigate the cellular and molecular basis for key events during animal development. Over the last decade the lab has primarily focused on the fruit fly Drosophila and the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. Currently the lab is developing new approaches to study the biology of corals, close relatives of Nematostella.

At Stowers, the Gibson Lab continues to study Drosophila and has branched out to investigate development and cell biology in Nematostella, a member of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes jellyfish and corals. The team leveraged their Drosophila expertise to pioneer rigorous new experimental approaches in Nematostella, applying genetic methods to gain functional insights. They were the first lab to successfully use CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in Nematostella, laying the groundwork for researchers to apply the method in anemones and related cnidarians.

Gibson plans to expand his research on reef-building corals, which account for 25% of global marine biodiversity, in addition to continued research with Drosophila and Nematostella.