Kim McKim

Kim McKim is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, within the School of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination and chromosome segregation in Drosophila melanogaster. He leads a dynamic research laboratory that employs advanced genetic and imaging techniques to study spindle assembly in both meiotic and mitotic systems.

His research interests lie at the intersection of genetics, cell biology, and developmental biology. Dr. McKim investigates how homologous chromosomes pair, recombine, and segregate during meiosis, with a particular emphasis on the roles of key regulatory proteins such as Aurora B, Polo, and Cdk1. His lab utilizes Drosophila as a model organism, leveraging forward and reverse genetics, tissue-specific RNAi, and site-specific mutagenesis. The research has important implications for understanding genetic instability, DNA repair, and reproductive biology.

Dr. McKim has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to graduate education, receiving the School of Graduate Studies Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award. His lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art Leica SP5 confocal microscope, and he is actively collaborating to acquire super-resolution imaging capabilities (e.g., Leica CS STED).

• Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University

Dr. McKim has mentored numerous graduate students in the Molecular Biosciences graduate program and has played a significant role in shaping graduate education at Rutgers. While specific grants are not mentioned, his leadership in developing advanced imaging infrastructure suggests active grant support. His lab frequently collaborates with other researchers, reflecting strong institutional integration and scientific outreach.

The lab specializes in high-resolution immunofluorescence and live imaging of oocytes, offering unique expertise that attracts collaboration requests. Ongoing efforts to expand imaging capabilities underscore a forward-looking research program focused on elucidating the fine-scale dynamics of meiotic processes.