Anita Manogaran

Dr. Anita Manogaran is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University. Her research focuses on protein misfolding and prion biology, using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system to study neurodegenerative diseases. She earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1996), a Ph.D. from Marquette University (2003), and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois at Chicago (2003–2010).

Her lab investigates how actin cytoskeletal networks and vacuolar morphology influence prion formation and propagation. Key projects include understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying de novo prion appearance, the role of chaperones like Hsp104, and the impact of environmental factors such as DMSO on prion stability. Dr. Manogaran teaches courses in cell biology, neurobiology, and scientific writing.

Recent research highlights include identifying genetic pathways regulating prion stability and advancing techniques to track protein aggregates. She actively advises Ph.D. students and collaborates on educational initiatives, such as enhancing metacognitive learning in large biology courses.

Current advisees include Claire Radtke, Hannah Buchholz, Adam Knier, and Jacqueline Kivila, while former student Doug Lyke defended his dissertation on prion aggregate formation. Her lab’s work bridges fundamental yeast genetics with translational insights into human protein-misfolding disorders.