Elizabeth Delorme-Axford

Elizabeth Delorme-Axford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Oakland University, where she leads an active research laboratory focused on molecular mechanisms of cellular autophagy. Her work applies a 'yeast to human' approach, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism to identify conserved targets with relevance to human disease.

Dr. Delorme-Axford's research interests center on cellular autophagy, a highly conserved 'self-eating' pathway essential for metabolism and survival during stress conditions. Her lab investigates the molecular regulation of autophagy, particularly focusing on transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms, RNA decay pathways, and connections to viral infections. The lab's long-term goal is to understand the multifaceted roles of autophagy in cellular health and develop new therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong focus on autophagy regulation across multiple biological contexts. Her work spans from fundamental yeast genetics to human disease models, with particular emphasis on viral infections, placental biology, and connections to neurodegeneration and cancer. Key themes include RNA-mediated regulation of autophagy, selective autophagy pathways, and the role of autophagy in antiviral defense mechanisms.

• Cozzarelli Prize in Biomedical Sciences
• Keystone Symposia early career travel grant
• ASCB travel grant
• URC Faculty Research Fellowship
• PCR Biosystems research grant
• NIH R15 grant

Dr. Delorme-Axford actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, with numerous students completing honors theses and MS degrees in her laboratory. Her lab has received significant grant support including an NIH R15 grant awarded in 2025. She serves on the Early Career Reviewer Board at the Journal of Biological Chemistry and regularly presents her work at major international conferences including the Keystone Symposia and ASBMB Annual Meetings.

The Delorme-Axford lab maintains a strong team environment that fosters inclusion, access, and equity among members. The laboratory opened at Oakland University in Fall 2020 and has rapidly established itself as a productive research group with multiple publications in high-impact journals.