Mary Kinkel

Mary Kinkel is an Associate Professor of Developmental Biology in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University. Her research focuses on vertebrate developmental biology, particularly the patterning of the endodermal germ layer and pancreas development using zebrafish models.

Education:

• PhD, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, OH
• MA, Biological Anthropology, Kent State University, OH
• BA, Anthropology, University of South Florida

Dr. Kinkel's research centers on understanding how pancreas cell types are specified, how organ size is determined, and how the pancreas is correctly localized within the embryo. Her work particularly focuses on pancreatic beta cells, which synthesize and secrete insulin and play a critical role in blood sugar control. She employs zebrafish as a model organism, utilizing genetic tools including transgenic and mutant fish lines. Her research has significant implications for understanding diabetes, as beta cell failure is the ultimate cause of all types of diabetes.

Analysis of her publication history reveals a clear research trajectory from anthropological studies in the early 1990s to specialized developmental biology with a focus on pancreatic development and beta cell formation. Her most recent work (2017-2019) continues to build on her expertise in zebrafish models for pancreatic disease and larval rearing methods, demonstrating sustained research activity in her field.

Dr. Kinkel's laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of endoderm patterning, with particular emphasis on retinoic acid signaling, Cyp26 enzymes, and Cdx4 factors in determining pancreatic field size and localization. Her research integrates multiple signaling pathways including canonical Wnt signaling to refine models of endoderm development.

Her professional experience includes positions as Associate Scientist/Assistant Professor at Sanford Research Center/University of South Dakota and Research Associate (Assistant Professor) at The University of Chicago, following postdoctoral training at the same institution.