معرفی
Laurence von Kalm is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Central Florida, where he also serves as Director of the Graduate Program. His NIH- and DoD-funded research uses Drosophila to dissect epithelial morphogenesis, polyamine transport relevant to cancer therapy, and host-parasite interactions in Daphnia.
Education: Specific degree details were not provided in the source text.
Research Interests: The von Kalm laboratory integrates developmental genetics, cell biology and chemical biology. Major themes include:
- How steroid hormones coordinate with Rho1 signaling to reshape epithelia during Drosophila metamorphosis, with emphasis on the transmembrane serine protease Stubble.
- Identification and characterization of a conserved polyamine transporter using Drosophila genetics and polyamine-drug conjugates, aiming at selective anti-cancer delivery.
- Ecological and molecular dissection of Wolbachia manipulation of Daphnia reproduction to understand host-parasite co-evolution.
Publication Trends: Across 30 listed works, half appear since 2010, emphasizing polyamine transport biology and its therapeutic exploitation. Earlier classics dissected developmental gene regulation, glycolytic enzyme organization and metamorphic signaling. Recent forays connect innate immunity to space-flight stress, illustrating a broad integrative biology portfolio.
Honors & Awards:
- Teaching Incentive Award, University of Central Florida
- COS Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, College of Sciences
Advising & Grants: Von Kalm has mentored numerous graduate students and served as Graduate Coordinator, Associate Chair and Interim Chair. Externally funded projects include Army and NIH grants supporting polyamine transport and space biology research.
Labs & Teams: The von Kalm lab operates within the UCF Department of Biology, maintaining active collaborations with the Phanstiel (Chemistry) and Jenkins (Biology) laboratories.
