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
