Brian Wasko

Brian Wasko, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at Western University of Health Sciences. He holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Iowa and prior academic positions at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and the University of Washington. His research focuses on geroscience (biology of aging), rare diseases, cellular homeostasis, and laboratory pedagogy, with a strong emphasis on yeast and C. elegans models. He is an editorial board member of Translational Medicine of Aging and actively involved in organizations like the American Aging Association (AGE) and the BREWMOR Steering Committee.

Education includes a BS and MS in Biochemistry from Texas State University (2004–2006), followed by a PhD in 2011. His professional experience spans teaching roles in molecular biosciences, editorial work, and senior research roles. His work bridges fundamental aging mechanisms with translational research, particularly in longevity interventions and stress response pathways.

Key contributions include discoveries in mTOR inhibition, CRISPR-based laboratory education tools, and mechanisms linking aneuploidy to aging. His publications explore diverse topics from yeast telomere biology to plant-derived lifespan extenders, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach. Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed but his extensive editorial and advocacy roles highlight peer recognition.

He advises no listed students but has founded academic chapters like the SACNAS chapter at University of Houston-Clear Lake. His lab website (research.westernu.edu/wasko-lab/) provides further details on ongoing projects and collaborations.