Research output per year
Research output per year
Hugo F. and Ina C. Urbauer Professorship, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Professor of Genetics
Willing to Mentor
Available to Mentor:
PhD/MSTP Students
Research activity per year
Mitochondria are complex and dynamic organelles that are essential to the survival of nearly every eukaryotic cell. The approximately ten million billion mitochondria throughout our bodies produce the bulk of our chemical energy in the form of ATP and are the cellular home to a vast array of essential metabolic pathways and processes.Dysfunction of these organelles underlies hundreds of inborn errors of metabolism and strongly contributes to a growing list of common metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, including type II diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and various forms of cancer.
Despite this central role for mitochondria in human health and disease, much of the basic biology of these organelles remains obscure, and therapeutic options to treat mitochondrial dysfunction remain woefully inadequate. By blending classic biochemistry, molecular & cellular biology, and genetics with large-scale proteomics and systems approaches, our lab aims to systematically define the functions of uncharacterized mitochondrial proteins, identify new gene mutations that underlie human disease, and explore new molecular therapeutics to rectify mitochondria-based disorders.
As a graduate student mentor, I strive to assist students in choosing thesis work that is meaningful, feasible, and impactful; to empower students to engage in cutting-edge research by guiding their experimental approach, providing ample financial resources, and enriching their graduation education through collaborations and meetings; to provide a healthy and supportive laboratory community where they can grow and develop as scientists; to teach students how to think clearly about science and to communicate their work in a lucid, compelling manner; to assist students in achieving their stated career goals and, when possible, to inform them of viable career options in academia and beyond.
In building a vibrant research team, I strive to instill a culture where all students feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who they are. I believe that preventing discrimination against our students—whether that be based in gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique—is not only a moral imperative, but a route to discovery. Our group adopts a philosophy that diversity drives innovation. We therefore celebrate multiple approaches and points of view, and embrace a culture where difference is valued.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review