Catherine McCusker

Catherine McCusker is an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston's School of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biology, specializing in molecular mechanisms of limb regeneration in axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). Her lab focuses on understanding how cells communicate during regeneration, positional information reprogramming, and growth regulation to achieve functional tissue integration. She leads a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate researchers.

• Research interests: Developmental Biology, Molecular Regeneration, Epigenetics, Limb Regeneration
• Teaching award: 2023 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award

Her recent publications explore chromatin modifications, neural control of regeneration, and positional information congruency. Collaborations span regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and conservation science. The lab actively engages in community outreach through virtual lab tours for K-12 students.

• 2023: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (Integration failure in limb regeneration)
• 2022: eLife (Neural growth control), Development (FUCCI marker development)

Scientific contributions include high-impact studies on epigenetic regulators (H3K27me3), signaling pathways (FGF/BMP/RA), and axolotl model advancements for regeneration and aging research. Lab members include PhD students, research assistants, and former trainees now in academic or industry roles.