Dinari Harris

Dr. Dinari Harris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Howard University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. His research integrates fluorescence microscopy, biochemistry, and cellular biophysics to study cancer progression and metastasis.

• Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2004) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; B.S. in Biochemistry (1999) from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Harris’ lab focuses on elucidating the spatiotemporal organization of proteins regulating membrane trafficking in cancer cells. His work employs ultra-high-resolution imaging tools to map molecular architectures critical for tumorigenesis. Research spans biochemistry, cancer biology, molecular biology, and pharmacology.

The lab’s publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including fluorescence microscopy, ribozyme analysis, and exosome dynamics. Key themes include exocytosis, metastasis, RNA structure, and membrane fusion mechanisms.

• Students: Mentors graduate students like Kadeem Hayees and Dominique Stephens, as well as undergraduate researchers such as Tyrel Powell and Danae Sanders.

Dr. Harris collaborates with Dr. Justin Taraska (National Institutes of Health) and engages in educational outreach with Howard University’s Middle School of Mathematics & Science, promoting translational research training and community science awareness.