Mary Elting

Dr. Mary Elting is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at North Carolina State University (NCSU), part of the College of Sciences. She leads the Elting Lab, which focuses on how biological macromolecules self-organize to generate mechanical force in cellular processes like cell division. With a PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University and postdoctoral research at UCSF, her work bridges physics, biology, and engineering.

Her research explores the mechanics of the mitotic spindle, particularly in fission yeast (S. pombe) and mammalian cells, with a focus on how microtubule architectures enable accurate chromosome segregation. Key projects include studying nuclear envelope-spindle interactions, cytoskeletal contraction mechanisms, and the role of molecular motors in spindle stability. Her lab has received funding from NSF and NIH grants, including a recent award to study ultrafast contraction in Spirostomum ambiguum.

Dr. Elting is also a member of NCSU’s Quantitative and Computational Developmental Biology cluster. Her team includes trainees at all levels, and she emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and diversity in scientific training. Current openings exist for graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral researchers.

Her publications span topics like spindle mechanics, laser ablation studies, and centrin-based contraction systems. Notable findings include insights into augmin-based spindle bridges, nuclear envelope force balance, and the role of Kif15 in reinforcing kinetochore fibers.