Education
- PhD, 2002, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 1997, Biology, Duke University
Research Summary
Our lab is fascinated by the molecular machinery that directs core cellular processes, and in particular how these processes are modulated and rewired across different physiological contexts. Our work has focused on the proteins that direct chromosome segregation and cell division, including the macromolecular kinetochore structure that mediates chromosome-microtubule interactions. Although cell division is an essential cellular process, this machinery is remarkably flexible in its composition and properties, which can vary dramatically between species and are even modulated within the same organism — over the cell cycle, during development, and across diverse physiological situations. To define the basis by which the kinetochore and other core cellular structures are rewired to adapt to diverse situations and functional requirements, we are currently investigating diverse transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms that act to generate proteomic variability both within individual cells and across tissues, cell state, development, and disease.
Awards
- Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) Scholar Award, 2020
- MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Outstanding Mentor – Faculty, 2019
- American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Early Career Life Scientist Award, 2012
- Searle Scholar Award, 2009-2012
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Education
- PhD, 2005, University of California, Berkeley
- BA, 1998, Biology, Williams College
Research Summary
We focus on plant epigenetics — that is, the heritable information that influences cellular function but is not encoded in the DNA sequence itself. We use genetic, genomic and molecular biology approaches to study the fidelity of epigenetic inheritance and the dynamics of epigenomic reprogramming during reproduction, primarily in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. More specifically, we investigate the interplay among repetitive sequences, DNA methylation and chromatin structure in these dynamic processes.
Awards
- Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award, 2013
- Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, 2011
Education
- MD, 1967, University of Munich
Research Summary
We aim to understand the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in mammalian development and disease. Embryonic stem cells are important because they have the potential to generate any cell type in the body and, therefore, have great potential for regenerative medicine. We study the way somatic cells reprogram to an embryonic pluripotent state, and use patient specific pluripotent cells to study complex human diseases.
Awards
- German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Otto Warburg Medal, 2014
- New York Academy, Medicine Medal, 2013
- Franklin Institute, Benjamin Franklin Medal, 2013
- National Science Foundation, National Medal of Science, 2011
- National Science Foundation, National Medal of Science, 2010
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2003
