Brian E. Staveley

Dr. Brian E. Staveley is a Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research focuses on cellular mechanisms of survival, death, and longevity using Drosophila as a model organism. He maintains an active laboratory investigating neurodegenerative diseases and aging processes.

Dr. Staveley earned his B.Sc. (Specialized Honours Genetics) and M.Sc. (Molecular Biology & Genetics) from the University of Guelph in 1989, followed by a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Alberta in 1995. He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Toronto (Ontario Cancer Institute) from 1995-1998 and served as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Departments of Zoology & Botany from 1998-99. He joined Memorial University as an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in 1999, achieved tenure in 2004, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2005, and to Professor in 2011.

His research program investigates cell survival mechanisms, mitochondrial biogenesis, protein transport, and the development of Drosophila models for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's, Huntington's, and ALS. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how mitochondrial health influences longevity and neurodegeneration. Analysis of his publication record shows a strong focus on Drosophila genetics applied to neurodegenerative disease modeling, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial dynamics, cell death pathways, and genetic interactions in Parkinson's disease models over the past decade.

Dr. Staveley has successfully supervised numerous graduate students through thesis completion, including Larissa dos Santos Soares, Dr. Azra Hasan, Emily P. Hurley, and others who have investigated various aspects of neurodegenerative disease models and aging in Drosophila. His research has been supported by multiple grants including NSERC Discovery Grants, Memorial University Seed Funding, and funding from the Aging Research Centre - Newfoundland and Labrador and Parkinson Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

He teaches Principles of Cell Biology (BIOL2060) and Molecular & Developmental Biology (BIOL3530), providing students with foundational knowledge in cellular and developmental processes while connecting these concepts to his research on neurodegenerative diseases and aging mechanisms.