Marie Heffern

Marie Heffern is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on understanding the role of transition metals in biological systems, particularly in the context of extracellular signaling, metabolic dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. She leads the Heffern Lab, which bridges bioinorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical biology to develop diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for diseases like diabetes, liver disease, and cancer. Her work also extends to plant rhizosphere studies, investigating soil-borne polyphenols and their interactions with metals.

Education & Training:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Northwestern University (2014)
• B.S. in Chemistry, University of Southern California (2009)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Berkeley (2015–2017)

Research Interests:

Her lab explores how first-row d-block transition metals (e.g., copper, iron, zinc) interact with hormones, peptides, and metabolites. Current projects include:

• Developing bioluminescent probes for extracellular metal detection
• Elucidating copper binding sites in proteins like proinsulin C-peptide
• Investigating dietary impacts on metal metabolism (e.g., glucose/fructose effects)
• Designing metal-based therapies for Wilson disease and metabolic disorders

Awards & Recognition:

• 2023 ACS Jonathan L. Sessler Award
• 2022 Paul Saltman Young Investigator Award
• NSF CAREER Award (2021–Present)
• NIH NIGMS MIRA Award (2019–Present)

Grants & Mentorship:

Funded by NIH, NSF, and Hartwell Foundation grants, her lab supports graduate students and postdocs in interdisciplinary research. She received the 2020 UC Davis Graduate Advising Award for mentorship.

Labs & Collaborations:

The Heffern Lab collaborates with clinical and environmental researchers to translate fundamental discoveries into practical applications, such as novel diagnostic tools and plant-derived therapeutics.