Cathy Barnes

Professor Cathy Barnes is a faculty member in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University. Her research focuses on epigenetic regulation, chromatin structure, and their roles in development and disease. She holds a PhD from Stanford University and a BS from MIT.

Research Interests: Dr. Barnes investigates how epigenetic mechanisms govern gene expression and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Her work emphasizes chromatin remodeling complexes and epigenetic therapies targeting cancer. Recent studies explore transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic memory.

Key Achievements:

• 2020 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award
• 2018 ASCB Early Career Award
• 2015 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences

Advising & Grant Support: Advised 4 graduate students (2 PhD/2 MS). Active grants include NIH R01 (2021-2026) and Pew Biomedical Program funding. Collaborates with pharmaceutical companies to develop epigenetic drugs.

Labs & Teams: Leads Harvard's Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Lab. Co-directs the Molecular Oncology Research Initiative with Dr. Robert Green.