Location: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Education
- PhD, 2013, Harvard University
- A.B., 2007, Biochemical Sciences, Harvard University
Research Summary
To survive extreme environments, many animals have evolved the ability to profoundly decrease metabolic rate and body temperature and enter states of dormancy, such as torpor and hibernation. Our laboratory studies the mysteries of how animals and their cells initiate, regulate, and survive these adaptations. Specifically, we focus on investigating: 1) how the brain regulates torpor and hibernation, 2) how cells adapt to these states, and 3) whether inducing these states can slow down tissue damage, disease progression, and even aging. Our long-term goal is to explore potential applications of inducing similar states of “suspended animation” in humans.
Awards
- Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar, Warren Albert Foundation, 2019
- NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, 2022
- Searle Scholar, 2023
- Pew Scholar, 2023
- McKnight Scholar, 2024
Education
- PhD, 2015, Case Western Reserve University
- BS, 2010, Biochemistry, Marquette University
Research Summary
Our lab studies genetic and epigenetic variation that contributes to human disease by disrupting gene expression programs. We utilize biological insights into the mechanisms of gene regulation in order to determine the impact of disease-associated variants on cellular function. We aim to identify actionable insights into disease pathogenesis by studying the confluence of genetic and epigenetic risk factors of human diseases, including multiple sclerosis and opioid use disorder.
Awards
- NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Program Avenir Award, 2017
Education
- PhD, 1999, Kyoto University
- BS, Biology, 1994, Kyoto University
Research Summary
Two remarkable feats of multicellular organisms are generation of many distinct cell types via asymmetric cell division and transmission of the germline genome to the next generation, essentially in eternity. Studying these processes using the Drosophila male germline as a model system has led us to venture into new areas of study, such as functions of satellite DNA, a ‘genomic junk,’ and how they might be involved in speciation.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, 2025
- Tsuneko and Reiji Okazaki Award, 2016
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Investigator, 2014
- MacArthur Fellow, 2011
- Women in Cell Biology Early Career Award, American Society for Cell Biology, 2009
- Searle Scholar, 2008
Education
- Dr. rer. nat., 1985, University of Tübingen
- MS, 1981, Biology, University of Freiburg
Research Summary
We study germ cells, the only cells in the body naturally able to generate completely new organisms. In addition to the nuclear genome, cytoplasmic information is passed though the egg cell to the next generation. We analyze the organization and regulation of germ line specific RNA-protein condensates, and explore mechanisms used by endosymbionts such as mitochondria and the intracellular bacterium, Wolbachia, to propagate through the cytoplasm of the female germ line.
Awards
- Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science, 2022
- Gruber Genetics Prize, 2022
- Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal, Genetics Society of America, 2021
- Francis Amory Prize in Reproductive Medicine and Reproductive Physiology, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2020
- Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science, 2020
- Keith R. Porter Award, American Society for Cell Biology, 2018
- Inaugural Klaus Sander Prize, German Society for Developmental Biology, 2017
- European Molecular Biology Organization, Foreign Associate, 2012
- Conklin Medal of the Society of Developmental Biology, 2011
- National Academy of Sciences, Foreign Associate, 2005; Member, 2008
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Member, 1998
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Investigator, 1990 and 1997
Education
- PhD, 1993, MIT
- AB, 1988, Physics, Harvard
Research Summary
We study how cells ensure that proteins fold into their correct shape, as well as the role of protein misfolding in disease and normal physiology. We also build innovative tools for broadly exploring organizational principles of biological systems. These include ribosome profiling, which globally monitors protein translation, CRIPSRi/a for controlling the expression of human genes and rewiring the epigenome, and lineage tracing tools, to record the history of cells.
Awards
- Ira Herskowitz Award, Genetic Society of America, 2020
- European Molecular Biology Organization, Member, 2017
- National Academy of Sciences Award for Scientific Discovery, 2015
- American Academy of Microbiology, Fellow, 2010
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2009
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler International Prize in Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, 2008
- Protein Society Irving Sigal Young Investigator’s Award, 2004
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Assistant Investigator, 2000
- Searle Scholars Program Fellowship, 1997
- David and Lucile Packard Fellowship, 1996
Education
- PhD, 2012, Chemical Biology, Harvard University
- BS, 2006, Life Sciences, Peking University
Research Summary
We are fascinated by how and why cells organize into spatial patterns within tissues, aiming to uncover the fundamental design principles that govern tissue form and function. To explore this, we adopt a bottom-up approach to reconstitute multicellular patterns in vitro using synthetic biology tools, guided by mathematical modeling. In parallel, we study how patterns emerge in natural tissues and investigate their functional roles, using a combination of quantitative imaging, mouse genetics, machine learning, and stem cell engineering. Our current focus is on the patterning of the embryonic and adult lung. Through these complementary efforts, we strive to achieve a quantitative, multi-scale understanding of tissue development and to create new strategies for tissue engineering.
Awards
- Teaching Prize for Undergraduate Education, MIT School of Science, 2023
- Allen Distinguished Investigator, The Paul Alen Frontiers Group, 2021
- New Innovator Award, National Institutes of Health Common Fund’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, 2021
- R.R. Bensley Award in Cell Biology, American Association for Anatomy, 2021
- Santa Cruz Developmental Biology Young Investigator Award, 2016
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award K99/R00 (NICHD), 2016
- American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2015