Alvin C. Powers

Alvin C. Powers, MD, is the Joe C. Davis Chair in Biomedical Science, Medicine, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He directs the Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology and leads the Powers & Brissova Research Group, focusing on pancreatic islet biology, diabetes mechanisms, and vascularization. His research integrates human islet studies, imaging technologies, and multi-disciplinary collaborations across institutions.

His work spans understanding beta cell dysfunction, islet regeneration, and diabetes pathogenesis. Key projects include analyzing human pancreas architecture via spatial proteomics and MRI, identifying biomarkers like NTPDase3, and studying exocrine-endocrine interactions. Awards include the 2023 JOHN A. OATES Award for collaborative research on islet biology.

Publications highlight advancements in genetic networks, imaging platforms, and molecular mechanisms in diabetes. His lab’s contributions bridge basic science and clinical translation, with support from NIH, VA, and The Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Research interests emphasize beta cell proliferation, alpha cell dysfunction in T1D, and vascular networks in islets. Collaborations involve bioengineers, geneticists, and clinicians to develop therapies targeting diabetes progression and regeneration.

Grants and funding support projects like the MAP-T1D initiative, studying pancreas volume changes in T1D progression. Future work includes spatial omics and multi-omics approaches to map pancreatic cell interactions and identify therapeutic targets.