Education
- PhD, 2013, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 2008, Genetics, University of Georgia
Research Summary
We study the interplay of gene expression and genome organization. Our work focuses on understanding how large molecular machineries involved in genome organization and gene transcription regulate each others’ function to ultimately determine cell fate and identity. We employ a broad range of approaches including single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, biochemistry, and genetics to mechanistically understand how these molecular assemblies regulate each other across molecular scales.
Awards
- New Innovator Award, National Institutes of Health Common Fund’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, 2021
Janice manages the Biology Education office and provides strategic direction for the department’s educational programs. She works with faculty, instructors, teaching assistants, students, and staff, and oversees the graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Janice advises faculty and students on departmental and MIT policies and programs; oversees degree requirements, develops critical database infrastructure for student records, statistics, and student funding assignments; directs the graduate admissions process; and prepares grant applications and reports.
Degrees and prior experience: Wellesley College (Bachelors in Biology, Anthropology), MIT (Masters in Interdisciplinary Science), and Harvard University (Doctorate in Cancer Biology). Prior to this current position Janice was an instructor in the department and taught in the MIT Biology project and teaching labs, developed curriculum for inquiry-based teaching, spoke and presented at other universities and national conferences.
Awards: Janice has received the School of Science Dean’s Educational and Student Advising Award, Infinite Mile Award, as well as a number of Spot Awards
Education
Research Summary
The Kaiser lab studied protein folding and intracellular trafficking in the yeast S. cerevisiae. Their work focused on the protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), quality control mechanisms in the ER, and membrane protein sorting in Golgi compartments. They combined genetic, biochemical, and cell biological methods to gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying each of these processes. Chris Kaiser is no longer accepting students.
Education
- PhD, 1988, Stanford University
- BS, 1983, Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research Summary
Our goal is to understand the mechanisms and regulation behind AAA+ unfoldases and macromolecular machines from the “Clp/Hsp100 family” of protein unfolding enzymes. We study these biological catalysts using biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, genetics, and single molecule biophysics.
No longer accepting students.
Awards
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2008-2018
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2007
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2005
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 1994
Education
- PhD, 2001, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- BS, 1990, Biomedical Science, Framingham State University
Research Summary
We investigate how complex circuits of genes are regulated to produce robust developmental outcomes particularly during heart development. A main focus is to determine how DNA is packaged into chromatin, and how ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers modify this packaging to control lineage commitment. We are now applying these principles to develop methods to stimulate repair of damaged cardiac tissue (e.g., regeneration). Our ability to combine genomic, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches both in vitro and in vivo as well as ongoing efforts to use tissue engineering to model the 3D architecture of the heart will ultimately allow us to gain a systems level and quantitative understanding of the regulatory circuits that promote normal heart development and how faulty regulation can lead to disease.
Awards
- Medicine by Design Distinguished Lecture, 2017
- Cardiovascular Rising Star Distinguished Lecture, 2017
- American Heart Association Innovative Research Award, 2013
- Irvin and Helen Sizer Career Development Award, 2012
- Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Science, 2009
- Massachusetts Life Sciences Center New Investigator Award, 2008
- Pew Scholars Award in the Biomedical Sciences, 2008
- Honorary Doctorate, Framingham State College, 2007
- The Scientific American World’s 50 Top Leaders in Research, Business or Policy, 2006
Education
- PhD, 1998, University of California, Los Angeles
- SB, 1992, Physics, Harvard University
Research Summary
Our goal is to understand, at a high level of detail, how the interaction properties of proteins are encoded in their sequences and structures. We investigate protein-protein interactions by integrating data from high throughput assays, structural modeling, and bioinformatics with biochemical and biophysical experiments. Much of our work focuses on α-helical coiled-coil proteins, Bcl-2 apoptosis-regulating proteins, and protein domains that bind to short linear motifs.
Education
- PhD, 1976, California Institute of Technology
- BS, 1971, Chemistry, Tulane University
Research Summary
We use genetic, biochemical, physiologic, chemical, cellular and molecular biological methods to study cell surface receptor structure and function. We focus on lipoprotein receptors — in particular, the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) receptor called Scavenger Receptor, Class B, Type I (SR-BI). Our analyses have provided insight into basic biological processes, contributed to our understanding of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) and have uncovered an unexpected connection between cholesterol and mammalian female infertility.
No longer accepting new students.
Awards
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering Outstanding Alumnus Award, 2010
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2009
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Contributions to Atherosclerosis Research, International Atherosclerosis Society, 2009
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 1993-2003
Education
- PhD, 2002, Stanford University
- BS, 1997, Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego
Research Summary
We study the biological mechanisms and evolution of how cells process information to regulate their own growth and proliferation. Using bacteria as a model organism, we aim to elucidate the detailed molecular basis for this remarkable regulatory capability, and understand the selective pressures and mechanisms that drive the evolution of signaling pathways. Our work is rooted in a desire to develop a deeper, fundamental understanding of how cells function and evolve, but it also has important medical implications since many signaling pathways in pathogenic bacteria are needed for virulence.
Awards
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2015
- National Science Foundation, Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, 2010
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Early Career Scientist, 2009
