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
- 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
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
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
