Education
- PhD, 2010, Harvard University
- SB, 2004, Physics, National Tsinghua University
Research Summary
We seek to understand the optimization of bacterial proteomes at both mechanistic and systems levels. Our work combines high-precision assays, genome-wide measurements, and quantitative/biophysical modeling. Ongoing projects focus on the design principles of transcription, translation, and RNA maturation machineries in the face of competing cellular processes.
Awards
-
Smith Odyssey Award, 2020
-
MIT Committed to Caring Award, 2020
- NSF Career Award, 2019
- Pew Biomedical Scholar, 2017
- Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research, 2017
- NIGMS R35 Maximizing Investigator Research Award, 2017
- Sloan Research Fellowship, 2016
- Searle Scholar, 2016
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award, 2013
Education
- PhD, 1974, University of Illinois
- BS, 1970, Chemistry, Carleton University
Research Summary
Our research is concentrated in two major areas. First, we aim to understand how the proteins involved in DNA repair, mutagenesis and other cellular responses to DNA damage are regulated. Some of our discoveries have the potential to improve chemotherapy. Second, we probe how nitrogen-fixing nodules develop on legumes, and the relationship between rhizobial functions required for nodule invasion/infection and mammalian pathogenesis.
Awards
- Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary Environmental health Research (RIVER), R35 Outstanding Investigator Award, 2017
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2013
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Professor, 2010
- University of Guelph, Doctor of Science, honoris causa, 2010
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 2008
- Environmental Mutagen Society, EMS Award, 2006
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2004
- American Cancer Society, Research Professor, 2002
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Professor, 2002
- Charles Ross Scholar, 2000-2003
- American Academy of Microbiology, Fellow, 1994
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 1992-2002
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1984
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MacVicar Faulty Fellow, 1984
- Rita Allen Foundation, Career Development Award, 1978
Education
- PhD, 1974, Harvard University
- BS, 1968, Mathematics and Economics, MIT
Research Summary
Our lab examines how genes control animal development and behavior. We use the experimentally tractable nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to identify and analyze molecular and cellular pathways involved in these important areas of biology. Ultimately, we hope to clarify these fundamental biological mechanisms and provide further insight into human disease.
Awards
- U.S. National Academy of Inventors, Member, 2015
- American Association for Cancer Research Academy, Fellow, 2013
- Royal Society of London, Foreign Member, 2009
- Genetics Society (U.K.), Mendel Medal, 2007
- Eli Lilly Lecturer Award, 2007
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, James R Killian Jr Faculty Achievement Award, 2006
- National Academy of Medicine, Member, 2003
- American Cancer Society, Medal of Honor, 2002
- The Nobel Foundation, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2002
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Award for Distinguished Achievement in Neuroscience, 2001
- March of Dimes, Developmental Biology, 2000
- Gairdner Foundation, Gairdner Foundation International Award, 1999
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1991
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1989
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 1989
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 1988
Education
- PhD, 1983, MIT
- BSc, 1979, Medicinal Chemistry, University College London
Research Summary
We study diverse aspects of protein structure and function and employ multidisciplinary approaches to address fundamental problems at the interface of chemistry and biology. We are fascinated by the amazing complexity and myriad functions of glycoconjugates in human health and disease. Still more enthralling are the intricate membrane-associated pathways that lead to the cellular biogenesis of these important macromolecules. Our group applies approaches and technologies from a wide range of synergistic fields including chemical biology (for inhibitor and probe development), biochemistry and biophysics (for analyses within and beyond native and model membranes), and cellular, molecular and microbiology to unravel these pathways. Ultimately we seek to decipher the molecular logic of glycoconjugate biosynthesis and to identify processes to target in the study of infectious disease.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2010
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) 2006
- American Chemical Society – Breslow Award for Achievement in Biomimetic Chemistry 2006
- Protein Society – Kaiser Award, 2006
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2003-2013
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2001
Education
- PhD, 2006, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 2000, Biology and Genetics, Cornell University
Research Summary
We study how cells and tissues change shape during embryonic development, giving rise to different body parts. We visualize these changes to determine how mechanical forces drive massive tissue movements in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. In addition, we also study the regulation of tissue integrity, investigating the processes that regulate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT.
Education
- PhD, 2000, Free University of Berlin
- MS, 1996, Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin
- BS, 1993, Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin
Research Summary
Our primary goal is to understand how signals and molecules are transmitted between the nucleus and cytoplasm across the nuclear envelope. We work to decipher the mechanism and structure of the machinery that executes these cellular processes.
Education
- PhD, 2011, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- BS, 2002, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Millersville University
Research Summary
In the Lamason lab, we investigate how intracellular bacterial pathogens hijack host cell processes to promote infection. In particular, we study how Rickettsia parkeri and Listeria monocytogenes move through our tissues via a process called cell-to-cell spread. We utilize cellular, molecular, genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of spread in order to reveal key aspects of pathogenesis and host cell biology.
Awards
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award, 2015
Education
- PhD, 2010, MIT
- BA, 2003, Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 2003, Biological Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
Research Summary
The Davis lab is working to uncover how cells construct and degrade complex molecular machines rapidly and efficiently. We apply a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches including quantitative mass spectrometry and single particle cryo-electron microscopy to understand the detailed molecular mechanisms of these processes. Ongoing projects in the lab are focused on autophagy, an essential eukaryotic protein and organelle degradation pathway, and assembly of the ribosome, which is essential in all cells.
Awards
- Sloan Research Fellowship, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 2021
- National Institute on Aging R00 Fellowship, 2017
- National Institute on Aging K99 Fellowship, 2015
Education
- PhD, 2011, MIT
- BS, 2006, Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras
Research Summary
We focus on the molecular entities controlling and coordinating RNA metabolism — that is, the compendium of processes that involve RNA, including protein synthesis, processing, modifications, export, translation and degradation. Our goal is to understand how different aspects of RNA metabolism are controlled to generate structure and function during development, as well as how mutations in components of the RNA metabolic program lead to congenital disorders and cancer.
Education
- PhD, 1997, Stanford University
- BS, 1990, Biological Sciences, Stanford University
Research Summary
We aim to understand the code for RNA splicing: how the precise locations of introns and splice sites are identified in primary transcripts and how its specificity changes in different cell types. Toward this end, we are mapping the RNA-binding affinity spectra of dozens of human RNA-binding proteins and integrating this information with in vivo binding and activity data. We are also studying the functions of 3’ untranslated regions, including their roles in mRNA localization and microRNA regulation. The lab uses a combination of computational and experimental approaches to address these questions.
Awards
- Schering-Plough Research Institute Award (ASBMB), 2007
- Overton Prize for Computational Biology (ISCB), 2001
