John Marko

John Marko, a Professor at Northwestern University, leads the Marko Laboratory in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. His research combines experimental biophysics, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches to study chromosome structure, DNA-protein interactions, and nuclear mechanics.

• Education: Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1989)

Research interests focus on:

• Micromanipulation of single DNA molecules and chromosomes
• Chromosome-organizing proteins and DNA topoisomerases
• Mathematical modeling of biophysical processes
• Live imaging and force microscopy in chromatin dynamics

Recent publications highlight trends in DNA topology, SMC complex mechanics, and chromatin crosslinking. Notable grants include continuous NSF support (1997-present) and NIH funding (2004-2006, 2009-present).

Scientific recognition includes:

• American Physical Society Fellow (2006)
• Catalyst Awards (2007, 2013)
• NSF Career Award (1998)
• University of Illinois Scholar (1999)

The lab has trained over 20 Ph.D. students, 10 postdoctoral researchers, and numerous undergraduates since its establishment. Funding sources include major federal agencies and industry partnerships, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration between the IBiS Ph.D. Program and Physics and Astronomy departments.