Maurice Kernan

Maurice Kernan is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology & Behavior at Stony Brook University, part of the Renaissance School of Medicine. He specializes in studying the cellular and molecular basis of mechanosensation—such as touch, hearing, and proprioception—using Drosophila genetics, molecular biology, and electrophysiology. His research focuses on mechanosensory signaling in ciliated sensory neurons and sperm flagella, particularly the mechanically activated ion channels that convert physical stimuli into electrical signals.

Education:

• B.A. in Genetics, University of Dublin (1984)
• Ph.D. in Genetics, University of Wisconsin (1990)

Research Highlights:

• Investigates how sensory neurons transduce mechanical stimuli into electrical signals.
• Identified key proteins involved in mechanosensation, including extracellular linkers and ion channels.
• Studies the role of cilia in sensory perception and developmental signaling.
• Link between cilia dysfunction and diseases like polycystic kidney disease.

Key Contributions: His work on the Drosophila model system has advanced understanding of auditory transduction, touch perception, and mechanosensory cilia biology. Notable discoveries include the first identification of sound-transducing channels in any organism and insights into ciliary structure-function relationships.

Leadership & Grants:

• Serves as Director of the HHMI Summer Undergraduate Research Program since 2007.
• Advances training of early-career researchers in neurobiology and genetics.
• Labs focus on experimental and genetic approaches to sensory biology.