Henry Chang

Henry Chang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University's College of Science. His research employs Drosophila to investigate developmental mechanisms with emphasis on membrane trafficking, cell polarity, and signal transduction pathways.

Dr. Chang's educational background includes:

• B.A. in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University (1991)
• Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley (1995)
• Postdoctoral training at Yale University School of Medicine (1997-2004)

His research program focuses on two primary areas: physiological functions of Ack family kinases in regulating Cdc42-dependent processes like male fertility, and formation of the fenestrated retinal basement membrane in collaboration with Dr. Don Ready. This dynamic membrane structure features specialized ridges and grommets essential for photoreceptor axon exit during Drosophila vision development.

Publications spanning 2006-2021 reveal consistent contributions to understanding clathrin-mediated trafficking, kinase signaling, and developmental remodeling. Key findings include auxilin's role in vesicle formation, Ack kinase's anti-apoptotic functions, and mechanisms of Notch-dependent neurogenesis across model organisms.

Dr. Chang maintains an active laboratory utilizing Drosophila genetics and cell biological approaches, with ongoing collaborations focused on retinal development and membrane dynamics.