معرفی
Edward Griffin is an Assistant Professor of Biology in the Department of Natural Sciences at Converse University, part of The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He joined the institution in 2022, returning to his liberal arts roots after extensive research and teaching experience.
Education:
- BS in Biochemistry, Saint Michael’s College
- PhD in Biology, University of Alabama
His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, using C. elegans and rodent models to study proteotoxicity, vesicular trafficking, and neuroprotective mechanisms involving proteins like Vps41 and ApoE. He integrates molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology to understand disease pathways.
His recent publications highlight work on VPS41 variants, HOPS complex dysfunction, and ApoE-mediated neuroprotection, appearing in high-impact journals such as EMBO Molecular Medicine and Human Molecular Genetics. These studies reveal conserved molecular mechanisms across model organisms.
Scientific Awards and Grants:
- Inducted into Sigma Xi honors society for undergraduate research
- Postdoctoral fellowship from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association
- Radiology pilot grant for PET-CT imaging in Parkinson’s models
Dr. Griffin has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers, some of whom co-authored his publications. He has taught courses in Evolution, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Research Methods, and plans to develop new courses in Immunology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology. His interdisciplinary interests include philosophy and ancient literature, and he aims to create science-humanities collaborative courses. He previously served as a research technician at Dartmouth Medical School and an instructor at the University of Alabama.
He leads research integrating C. elegans and rodent models at Converse, with prospects to establish a neurobiology lab focused on neurodegeneration and neuroimmunology.
