Melissa L. Harris

Melissa L. Harris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she serves as Graduate Program Director. Her research focuses on somatic stem cell biology, aging mechanisms, and tissue rejuvenation therapies using mouse models of hair graying.

• Education: B.S. in Genetics (UC Davis), Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology (UC Davis), Postdoctoral Fellow at NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute

Research Interests: Dr. Harris investigates melanocyte stem cell dynamics in hair follicles, exploring how their loss leads to graying and serves as a model for understanding broader aging processes. Her work combines cell biology, genetics, and genomics to address fundamental questions about aging and potential interventions.

Scientific Recognition: Notable for her NIH Pathway to Independence Award, which supported her transition to faculty research leadership. She maintains active roles in academic governance through UAB's Faculty Senate.

Teaching: Instructs advanced courses in Cell Biology (BY330/530), Histology (BY327/527), and graduate colloquia on Aging Biology. Her lab also engages in science communication through public outreach initiatives.

Contact: Office - 3121 East Science Hall, UAB | Phone - (205) 996-0438