معرفی
Jan Alexander Mennigen is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Science, where he conducts cutting-edge research in comparative physiology of metabolism using fish models. His laboratory is located at 10 Marie-Curie Private, Ottawa, and he teaches courses including BIO4900 Honours Seminar and BIO2110 Environmental Physiology.
Originally from Germany, Dr. Mennigen earned his BSc and MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Stuttgart before completing his PhD in Biology at the University of Ottawa under the supervision of Dr. Vance Trudeau and Dr. Moon. His academic journey included a European Marie-Curie postdoctoral fellowship at INRA, France, and a second postdoc at the University of Austin in Texas.
Dr. Mennigen's research centers on comparative physiology of metabolism using zebrafish (Danio rerio) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as model organisms. His work spans molecular, cellular, and organismal aspects of energy metabolism with a particular focus on epigenetic mechanisms that govern metabolic phenotypes across ontogeny and generations. His research program addresses three major interconnected areas: (1) Aquaculture applications focusing on rainbow trout, (2) Ecotoxicology using zebrafish to study endocrine disrupting chemicals, and (3) Using teleost fish as models for metabolic disease, particularly examining the integration of developmental origins, environmental endocrine disruptors, and nutritional factors.
His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on epigenetic regulation, metabolic adaptation, and toxicological responses in fish models. Key themes include hypoxia tolerance mechanisms, microRNA regulation of metabolism, effects of pharmaceuticals and contaminants on endocrine function, and advanced genomic approaches to understanding metabolic phenotypes. His work bridges basic comparative physiology with practical applications in aquaculture and environmental health.
Dr. Mennigen's laboratory employs an integrated approach spanning from molecular techniques to whole-organism physiology, with particular expertise in epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and microRNA regulation. His research has significant implications for understanding metabolic disease, improving aquaculture practices, and assessing environmental contaminants.
