Joshua Modell

Joshua Modell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the fundamental biology of CRISPR-Cas systems and their roles in bacterial immunity against bacteriophages.

Dr. Modell's research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, microbial genetics, and immunology. He investigates how CRISPR systems function during live infections, how they avoid autoimmunity, and how phage biology influences susceptibility to CRISPR attacks. His lab employs an interdisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, functional genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and time-lapse microscopy.

The recent publications from the Modell lab reveal a strong focus on CRISPR regulation, anti-CRISPR mechanisms, phage defense strategies, and the evolutionary dynamics of CRISPR systems. The work spans from basic mechanistic insights into Cas9 function and spacer acquisition to understanding how viral recombination and anti-CRISPR proteins influence host-pathogen interactions. These studies are published in top-tier journals such as Nature, Cell, and Cell Reports, reflecting the impact and innovation of the research.

Scientific Awards:

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Dr. Modell actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, indicating a strong commitment to training the next generation of scientists. His lab includes multiple graduate students such as Katie King, Joshua Garcia-Colon, Marissa Feeley, Rhett Snyder, and Sarah Voss. While specific grant funding is not listed, the scope and productivity of the research suggest substantial extramural support. The lab operates at the forefront of CRISPR biology, aiming to uncover fundamental principles that can inform the development of next-generation genome-editing technologies.

The Modell Lab is an active research group within the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. It uses cutting-edge techniques to study CRISPR immunity in its native biological context, focusing on type II CRISPR systems like Cas9. The lab integrates genetic, genomic, and cellular analyses to explore how CRISPR systems co-evolve with their bacterial hosts and viral predators.