Gerald R. Fink

Education

  • PhD, 1965, Yale University
  • BA, 1962, Biology, Amherst College

Research Summary

We study the molecules that allow fungi to penetrate tissues and grow in a hostile environment. Using genetics, biochemistry and genomics, we answer questions such as:  What makes Candida albicans such a successful pathogen?  How do fungal pathogens evolve antibiotic resistance? How do they manage to change their genetic composition so rapidly?

The Fink lab is no longer accepting students.

Awards

  • Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal, Genetics Society of America, 2020
  • James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award, 2018
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 2015
  • Gruber International Prize in Genetics, 2010
  • American Philosophical Society, 2003
  • Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology – Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002
  • George W. Beadle Award, Genetics Society of America, 2001
  • Ellison Medical Foundation, Senior Scholar Award, 2001
  • National Academy of Medicine, 1996
  • Wilbur Lucius Cross Medal, Yale University, 1992
  • Emil Christian Hansen Foundation Award for Microbiology, Denmark, 1986
  • American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1984
  • Yale Science and Engineering Award, 1984
  • National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1981
  • National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology, 1981
  • John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1974
Harvey F. Lodish

Education

  • PhD, 1966, Rockefeller University
  • BS, 1962, Chemistry and Mathematics, Kenyon College

Research Summary

Harvey Lodish has been a leader in molecular cell biology as well as a biotechnology entrepreneur for over five decades. Much of his early research focused on the regulation of messenger RNA translation and the biogenesis of plasma membrane glycoproteins. Beginning in the 1980s, his research focused on cloning and characterizing many proteins, microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs important for red cell development and function. His laboratory was the first to clone and sequence mRNAs encoding many hormone receptors, mammalian glucose transport proteins, and proteins important for adipose cell formation and function. He went on to identify and characterize several genes and proteins involved in insulin resistance and stress responses in adipose cells. Over the years, he has mentored hundreds of undergraduates, PhD and MD/PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows, and continues to teach award-winning undergraduate and graduate classes on biotechnology.

Harvey Lodish closed his lab in 2020 and is no longer accepting students.

Awards

  • Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology, American Society of Hematology, 2021
  • Donald Metcalf Award, International Society for Experimental Hematology, 2020
  • American Society for Cell Biology WICB Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award, 2017
  • Pioneer Award, Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, 2016
  • Mentor Award in Basic Science, American Society of Hematology, 2010
  • President, American Society for Cell Biology, 2004
  • Associate Member, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), 1996
  • National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1987
  • American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1986
  • John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1977
Iain M. Cheeseman

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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Mary Gehring

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
Rudolf Jaenisch

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