Maria Bewley

Maria Bewley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, where she also serves as Senior Scientific Director of Core Facilities. Her research is focused on structural and molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy, viral replication, and protein structure dynamics.

Her research interests include autophagy, membrane biology, protein-lipid interactions, structural biology, and viral pathogenesis. She employs techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), crystallography, and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to study conformational changes and interactions in key autophagy proteins like ATG3 and LC3.

Recent publications highlight her work on the role of membrane curvature in autophagosome formation, ESCRT machinery in coronavirus replication, and structural rigidity of malaria-associated VAR2CSA protein. Her studies often involve collaborative efforts with experts in virology, cell biology, and structural biochemistry.

Dr. Bewley has been involved in significant research projects, including NIH-funded work on chromatin decondensation and STEM mass mapping of biomolecules. Her publications appear in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Autophagy, and Communications Biology, reflecting ongoing and impactful research activity.

• ESCRT and viral replication
• Autophagy and membrane dynamics
• Structural analysis of malaria proteins
• Protein conformational changes

She contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing health and well-being through biomedical research.