Julie Law

Julie Law is an Associate Professor in the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her research focuses on epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and chromatin-binding proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, to understand gene regulation and its implications for agriculture and human health. She investigates how epigenetic changes influence cellular diversity and contribute to developmental processes, disease, and climate resilience.

Education:

• BS in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University
• PhD in Biochemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Los Angeles

Research Interests:

• Epigenetic regulation of gene expression via DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling
• Role of RNA polymerases (Pol IV/V) in small RNA biogenesis
• Applications of epigenetic insights to climate change mitigation through the Harnessing Plants Initiative
• Protein families (e.g., CLASSY) controlling DNA methylation patterns

Scientific Awards:

• Rita Allen Scholar Award (2015)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2007)
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Summer Fellowship (2000)

Lab and Collaborations: Her lab explores cross-species epigenetic mechanisms, including experiments on mammalian cell systems. She collaborates with Salk’s plant biology group to engineer carbon-storing plants via the Harnessing Plants Initiative. Her work bridges epigenetic studies in plants and mammals, emphasizing conserved pathways.

Personal Interests: Enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and motorcycle riding, reflecting her upbringing in Oregon.