Melanie R. McReynolds

Dr. Melanie R. McReynolds serves as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University, holding the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Early Career Chair. She maintains dual affiliations with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Program.

Her academic foundation includes:

• B.S. in Chemistry and Physics from Alcorn State University
• M.S. in Biological Sciences via Penn State's NIH-funded Bridges to the Doctorate Program
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Penn State University

Dr. McReynolds' research centers on metabolic decline during aging, with emphasis on NAD+ homeostasis and stress response mechanisms. Her laboratory employs high-resolution liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry coupled with in vivo isotope tracing to investigate how metabolism adapts to acute and chronic stress in age-related disease models. This work aims to identify targetable molecular pathways for restoring youthful metabolism through therapeutics and nutraceuticals.

Analysis of her 14 most recent publications (2014-2021) reveals three dominant research trajectories: NAD+ flux dynamics in aging models, CD38-mediated NAD+ depletion during senescence, and metabolic adaptations in stress-induced aging. Her work spans model organisms from C. elegans to mammals, with increasing focus on translational applications in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders since 2020.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized through:

• HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program (2018)
• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Research Enrichment Program (2018)
• Inaugural Intersections Science Fellowship (2021)
• University of Utah Rising Stars in Metabolism (2021)

Dr. McReynolds actively mentors trainees across career stages while securing research funding through her HHMI Hanna H. Gray award and pursuing additional external grants. Her lab operates with structured goals to answer fundamental questions about metabolic aging, attract sustained funding, and provide comprehensive training opportunities that emphasize diversity in science.

The McReynolds Laboratory in Huck Life Sciences Building maintains three core research thrusts: NAD+ Homeostasis, Whole-Body Mass Balance, and Stress-Induced Aging and Disease. The lab culture prioritizes showcasing excellence through diverse scientific perspectives while developing therapeutic strategies for age-related metabolic disorders.