معرفی
Jason Kuehner is an Associate Professor of Biology at Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts. His work focuses on molecular biology with particular expertise in gene regulation and cellular stress responses. Dr. Kuehner teaches a comprehensive range of biology courses including Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Biology Senior Seminar, emphasizing the integration of research into undergraduate education.
Dr. Kuehner received his B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (summa cum laude) with a minor in Psychology from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He earned his Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and completed an NIH/NIGMS K12 (IRACDA) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Tufts University School of Medicine, which shaped his dual commitment to research and teaching.
Dr. Kuehner's research program investigates transcription regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes, with particular focus on RNA Polymerase II transcription termination and premature transcription termination (attenuation) in yeast. His work has revealed important insights into how cells regulate gene expression through transcriptional mechanisms, with implications for understanding DNA repair processes and cellular stress responses. The research demonstrates that attenuation is more widespread than previously thought, occurring at 10-15% of mRNA genes in yeast and higher eukaryotes. His lab employs molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics approaches to dissect transcription stop signals and discover mutants that alter recognition.
Dr. Kuehner has received numerous scientific awards including the Emmanuel College Faculty Excellent in Teaching Award (2018), HHMI Teaching Fellow (2006), and NIH/NIGMS K12 Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2011). His research has been supported by significant external funding including an NSF Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF-RUI) Grant (2022-2025, $372,026) and multiple student research grants from Tri-Beta and Sigma Xi honor societies.
- Emmanuel College Faculty Excellent in Teaching Award (2018)
- National Science Foundation Research in Undergraduate Institutions Grant ($372,026)
- HHMI Teaching Fellow in Classroom Teaching and Mentoring (2006)
- NIH/NIGMS K12 Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2011)
Dr. Kuehner is deeply committed to undergraduate research mentorship, having supervised numerous students who have co-authored publications and presented at national conferences. His lab provides authentic research experiences that have led to multiple student awards including the Frank G. Brooks Award and Emmanuel College Hakim Scholarship. He has successfully integrated research into core undergraduate biology laboratory courses, extending research experiences to approximately 50 additional students annually. Kuehner lab alumni have pursued successful careers in research (academia, industry), health care (PA, NP, RN), and government.
The Kuehner Lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology (PCR, Gibson cloning), genetics (mutagenesis, CRISPR), biochemistry (lacZ reporter assays), and bioinformatics. This integrated methodology allows the lab to identify transcriptional attenuators, characterize their RNA-binding elements, and determine the protein recognition factors involved. The research has important implications for understanding eukaryotic gene regulation more broadly, as many of these mechanisms are conserved across species, including humans.
