Hong Wang

Hong Wang is a Professor in the Department of Physics at North Carolina State University (NC State), part of the College of Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of North Carolina (2003), followed by postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2004-2008) and the University of Pittsburgh (2008-2011). Her research focuses on single-molecule imaging techniques to study telomere biology, DNA repair mechanisms, and genome maintenance. Key areas include investigating protein-DNA interactions and their roles in aging and cancer through advanced microscopy methods like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence imaging.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of North Carolina, 2003
• Postdoctoral Training: NIEHS (2004-2008), University of Pittsburgh (2008-2011)

Research Interests: Dr. Wang’s work explores how proteins dynamically interact with telomeric DNA and repair damaged genomic regions. Her lab uses cutting-edge techniques to visualize molecular processes at unprecedented resolution, aiming to uncover mechanisms underlying genome instability and aging. Recent projects include studying Smc5/6 complex management of DNA repair intermediates (NSF-funded) and mitochondrial DNA replication via Twinkle helicase.

Grants & Awards:

• NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
• NSF Grant (2024-2027) for Smc5/6 research
• NIGMS R01, NIAID R21, and institutional grants from NC State

Lab & Collaborations: The Hong Wang Single-molecule Imaging Laboratory collaborates with institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her team develops novel platforms like nanofluidic devices to study DNA-protein interactions, advancing translational research in human health and environmental biology.