Education
- PhD, 1978, Harvard University
- SB, 1974, Biology, MIT
Research Summary
We combine comprehensive bioinformatics analyses with functional analyses of pathways and genes to study aging in humans and mice. We apply these approaches to identify the major pathways and genes involved in the aging of certain brain regions. We are also studying muscular dystrophy and muscle loss with aging. Ultimately, our findings may guide studies in other organs and lead to a systemic understanding of mammalian aging.
Awards
- Miami Winter Symposium, Feodor Lynen Award, 2012
- University of Toronto, Charles H. Best Lectureship and Award, 2011
- Dart/NYU Biotechnology, Achievement Award, 2009
- French Academie des Sciences, Elected, 2009
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2004
Education
- PhD, 1988, University of California, San Francisco
- SB, 1983, Biology, Harvard University
Research Summary
Dr. Jacks’ research has focused on developing new methods for the construction and characterization of genetically engineered mouse models or GEMMs of human cancer, and recently has moved into the burgeoning area of tumor immunology to understand the interactions between the immune system and cancer. His group has produced GEMMs with constitutive and conditional mutations in several tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and genes involved in oxidative stress, DNA repair and epigenetic control of gene expression. These GEMMS have been used to examine the mechanism of tumor initiation and progression, to uncover the molecular, genetic and biochemical relationship to the human diseases, as tools to study response and resistance to chemotherapy, and to explore methods in molecular imaging and early detection of cancer.
Awards
- AACR Princess Takamatsu Memorial Lectureship, 2020
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, James R Killian Jr Faculty Achievement Award, 2015
- Sergio Lombroso Award in Cancer Research, 2015
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2012
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2009
- Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, Member, 2009
- Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, 2005
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 1994
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
Education
- PhD,1995, University of Michigan
- BS, 1985, Chemistry, Vassar College
Research Summary
We use X-ray crystallography to investigate the structure and function of enzymes that are medically important in environmental remediation. We are particularly interested in metalloprotein biochemistry, and in the role of conformational change in catalysis.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, 2023
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fellow, 2021
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Member, 2020
- Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award, Protein Society, 2020
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2015-2025
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2008
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Professor, 2006
Education
- PhD, 1971, Harvard University
- BA, 1964, Biology, Harvard University
Research Summary
Nancy Hopkins became an assistant professor at MIT’s Center for Cancer Research in 1973. She used genetics to map RNA tumor virus genes, identifying genes that determine host range and the type and severity of cancers mouse retroviruses cause. These genes included capsid protein p30 and transcriptional elements now known as enhancers. Hopkins switched research areas more than a decade later, developing tools for zebrafish research and devising an efficient method for large-scale insertional mutagenesis. Using this technique, her lab identified and cloned 25% of the genes essential for a fertilized zebrafish egg to develop into a swimming larva. These genes included known and novel genes that predispose fish to cancer. Currently, Hopkins works on advocacy for cancer prevention and early detection research.
Awards
- STATUS List, 2025
- Biomedical Innovation Award, STAT, 2021
- American Association for Cancer Research Academy, Fellow, 2021
- Xconomy Lifetime Achievement Award, 2018
- Harvard Centennial Medal, 2014
- Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award, MDAnderson, 2012
- AACR Women in Cancer Research Award, 2006
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2004
- UCSF Medal, 2003
- National Academy of Medicine, Member 1999
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1998
Education
- PhD, 1991, Stanford University
- BSc, 1982, Biology and Biochemistry, Hebrew University, Israel
Research Summary
The property of the brain that allows it to constantly adapt to change is termed plasticity, and is a prominent feature not only of learning and memory in the adult, but also of brain development. Connections between neurons (synapses) that are frequently used become stronger, while those that are unstimulated gradually dwindle away. The Nedivi lab works to identify the cellular mechanisms that underlie the addition and elimination of synaptic connections in response to activity using genetic and in vivo imaging approaches.
Awards
- Elected Member at Large, AAAS, 2019-2023
- Elected Member, Dana Alliance, 2019
- BCS Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, 2018
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Fellow, 2016
- AFAR Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research, 2007 – 2011
- Edgerly Innovation Fund Award, 2006
- Dean’s Education and Student Advising Award, 2003
- NSF Powre Award, 1999
- Alfred P . Sloan Research Fellowship, 1999 – 2001
- Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award, 1997 – 2002
Education
- PhD, 1969, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- BA, 1966, Chemistry and Math, Union College
Research Summary
We investigate small, non-coding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate over half of the genes in mammalian cells at the stages of translation and mRNA stability. We are also interested in the processes underlying transcription from the anti-sense strand (so-called “divergent” transcription), as well as the relationship between elongation of transcription, RNA splicing, and chromatin modifications.
Awards
- AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research, 2020
- AACR Distinguished Award for Extraordinary Scientific Innovation and Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research and Biomedical Science, 2018
- Royal Society of London, Foreign Fellow, 2011
- National Science Foundation, National Medal of Science, 2004
- The Nobel Foundation, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1993
- National Academy of Medicine, Member, 1991
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 1987
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1987
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1983
Education
- PhD, 2011, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich/Helmholtz-Zentrum Munich
- MSc, Biology, 2008, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich/Helmholtz-Zentrum Munich
- BSc, Biology, 2005, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich/Helmholtz-Zentrum Munich
Research Summary
We examine the interaction between cancer and immune cells. Using tumor mouse models designed to mimic tumor progression in humans, we investigate the co-evolution of the anti-tumor immune response and cancer. Understanding the interplay between tumor cells and immune cells will help develop and improve effective cancer immunotherapies.
Awards
Education
- PhD, 1990, Stanford University
- BS, 1982, Biology, Wuhan University
Research Summary
We seek to understand the immune system and its application in cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. We study the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind immunological and disease processes, leveraging the vast array of genomic data, humanized mice and clinical samples.
Awards
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 2012
Education
- PhD, 1981, Oxford University
- AB, 1978, Mathematics, Princeton University
Research Summary
Following the successful completion of the Human Genome Project, the challenge now is to decipher the information encoded within the human genetic code — including genes, regulatory controls and cellular circuitry. Such understanding is fundamental to the study of physiology in both health and disease. At the Broad Institute, my lab collaborates with other to discover and understand the genes responsible for rare genetic diseases, common diseases, and cancer; the genetic variation and evolution of the human genome; the basis of gene regulation via enhancers, long non-coding RNAs, and three-dimensional folding of the genome; the developmental trajectories of cellular differentiation; and the history of the human population.
Awards
- William Allan Award, American Society of Human Genetics, 2018
- James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award, MIT, 2016
- Block Memorial Award for Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Research, Ohio State University, 2013
- AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize, 2015
- Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, 2013
- Harvey Prize for Human Health, Technion University, Israel, 2012
- Dan David Prize, 2012
- Albany Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, Albany Medical College, 2010
- Gairdner Foundation International Award, Canada, 2002
- Max Delbruck Medal, Berlin, 2001
- MacArthur Foundation, MacArthur Fellowship, 1987
