Leslie LaConte

Leslie LaConte, Ph.D., is a Research Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), affiliated with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. She holds a faculty position in the Department of Basic Sciences Education and plays a key leadership role in shaping the school's research education curriculum across all four years of medical training.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Minnesota
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. LaConte's research centers on structural biology, particularly the impact of missense mutations on the CASK protein, which is implicated in microcephaly and developmental delay. She employs a combination of computational modeling, cell biological assays, and biophysical techniques to understand protein misfolding and functional disruption. Her work bridges basic science and neurodevelopmental disorders, contributing to the molecular understanding of genetic diseases. She also leads initiatives in medical research education, promoting the integration of scientific inquiry into clinical training.

The analysis of her publications reveals a long-standing focus on protein structure-function relationships, beginning with myosin dynamics in muscle and evolving into neurodevelopmental disease mechanisms. Her recent work emphasizes structural constraints in CASK, mutation-induced misfolding, and therapeutic correction strategies, often in collaboration with Dr. Konark Mukherjee. She has also contributed to nanoparticle-based delivery systems and medical education innovation.

Dr. LaConte holds no listed scientific awards in the provided text.

As Associate Dean for Research, she oversees the development and implementation of research curricula, advising on program design and integration across domains. Her leadership suggests involvement in educational grants and institutional research training initiatives. She collaborates closely with Dr. Konark Mukherjee on NIH-funded or similar research projects related to CASK and neurodevelopment.

She is affiliated with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, where her laboratory likely focuses on structural and cell biological investigations of synaptic proteins. Her team may include research assistants, coordinators, and trainees engaged in protein expression, imaging, and computational analysis.