Kelly McLaughlin

Kelly McLaughlin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences. She holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a BA in Biology from Wheaton College. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of organ development, remodeling, and regeneration using the amphibian model system Xenopus laevis. Dr. McLaughlin investigates how functional organs are created during embryogenesis, with emphasis on kidney and heart development through Notch signaling pathways.

Her laboratory examines three key processes: (1) organ development and patterning, (2) organ remodeling via herbicide-induced metamorphosis, and (3) regenerative repair of nephric tissues. This research has implications for treating proliferative/degenerative kidney diseases. She directs the McLaughlin Lab and mentors graduate students through programs in Developmental Biology and Genetics.

Research Interests: Molecular development, organogenesis signaling pathways, tissue regeneration mechanisms, and environmental impacts on organ formation.

Honors:

• NRC/HHMI Education Fellow (2008)
• Tufts UNITE Teaching Award (2006)
• Multiple AHA and NSF research grants

Advising: Supervises PhD candidates in developmental biology and genetics. Current grants include NIH-funded projects on organ regeneration mechanisms.