Frank U Alber

Frank U Alber is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at the UCLA School of Medicine, where he leads a research program focused on spatial genome organization and its functional implications. His work bridges molecular biology, imaging technology, and computational analysis to understand fundamental cellular processes.

Education:

• PhD from ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
• Postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University, New York
• Postdoctoral training at UCSF, San Francisco

Dr. Alber's research investigates how spatial organization of the genome governs gene expression, DNA replication, and cell differentiation. His laboratory integrates genomics and advanced microscopy data to understand chromosome folding principles and the allocation of genomic regions relative to nuclear bodies. A significant portion of his work focuses on developing novel techniques for mapping proteome spatial distributions at the molecular level within cell cytoplasm, enabling detailed examination of subcellular compartment architecture and dynamic changes during cellular regulation.

Scientific Recognition:

• PEW Biomedical Research Scholar (2009-2012)
• Sloan Research Fellowship (2009-2011)
• Beckman Young Investigator Award (2012-2016)
• NSF Career Development Award (2012-2017)

Dr. Alber maintains an active research program with substantial external funding and extensive collaborations across UCLA and with institutions including UCSF. His laboratory has established significant expertise in electron microscope tomography and computational modeling of chromosome structures. Through his mentorship, he has trained numerous researchers in interdisciplinary approaches that combine wet-lab techniques with computational analysis.

The research environment in Dr. Alber's laboratory emphasizes innovation in imaging technology and data integration. His team works at the intersection of multiple disciplines, developing methods to visualize and analyze the three-dimensional architecture of the nucleus and cytoplasm at unprecedented resolution, contributing to our understanding of how spatial organization influences fundamental biological processes.