Michael Levine

Michael Levine is the Anthony B. Evnin '62 Professor in Genomics and Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, where he also serves as Director of the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. He joined Princeton in 2015 after a distinguished career at UC Berkeley, where he was Professor of Genetics and held leadership roles in genetics and genomics programs.

His research focuses on how noncoding regions of the genome regulate gene expression in space and time during development. His lab has pioneered studies in Drosophila and the protovertebrate Ciona intestinalis, uncovering fundamental mechanisms such as enhancer function, transcriptional bursting, short-range repression, and long-range enhancer-promoter interactions. His work has also revealed evolutionary insights into the origins of vertebrate innovations like the neural crest and neurogenic placodes.

Levine's recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on quantitative and live-imaging approaches to dissect gene regulation dynamics. His work integrates experimental embryology with computational modeling, especially using deep learning to predict transcriptional outcomes. Themes across his recent articles include biomolecular condensates, chromatin architecture, and the physical principles underlying enhancer function.

• Elected to the National Academy of Sciences (1998)
• Molecular Biology Award, National Academy of Sciences (1996)
• Wilbur Cross Medal, Yale University (2009)
• EG Conklin Medal, Society of Development Biology (2015)

Dr. Levine has trained numerous researchers and co-authored studies with emerging scientists, indicating active mentoring and grant-funded research. His leadership roles at major institutes and sustained publication record reflect a robust, well-supported research program. He has also contributed to national genomics initiatives, including service at the DOE Joint Genome Institute.

His lab operates at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, and quantitative developmental biology, utilizing model organisms and cutting-edge imaging and computational tools to unravel the logic of gene regulatory networks.