معرفی
Paul A. Fisher is a Professor and Vice-Chairman in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook University, a position he has held since 1997 and 2005 respectively. He received both his MD and PhD (Biophysics) from Stanford University, with his PhD awarded "with distinction" under Dr. David Korn's preceptorship.
His educational background includes:
- MD: Stanford University School of Medicine
- PhD (Biophysics): Stanford University
- BS (Biology and Biochemistry, Dual Major): Binghamton University
Dr. Fisher's research focused on nuclear structure and function, with particular emphasis on extrachromosomal proteinaceous structural elements of the cell nucleus (karyoskeletal elements). His laboratory pursued three main projects: identifying and characterizing karyoskeletal polypeptides (including nuclear lamins and DNA topoisomerase II), studying the enzymology of eukaryotic DNA polymerases and their interactions with protein cofactors (particularly PCNA), and investigating the nuclear localization of the spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) protein. His work primarily utilized yeast and fruit fly model systems, which he demonstrated are suitable models for human nuclear processes.
Analysis of Dr. Fisher's publications reveals a consistent focus on nuclear structure throughout his career. His earliest work (1987) examined nuclear assembly in cell-free systems, progressing to specific studies on DNA polymerases (1994) and Drosophila nuclear assembly (1998). His later publications (2005-2009) increasingly focused on nuclear lamins and their role in nuclear envelope structure and function, demonstrating the evolution of his research toward more specific molecular mechanisms.
Dr. Fisher has extensive experience in research funding and training:
- Continuously funded as Principal Investigator by NIH from 1982-2005
- Additional funding from American Cancer Society, British Royal Society, RIKEN of Japan, International Human Frontiers Science Program, NATO, and US-Israel Binational Science Foundation
- Director of Stony Brook MSTP (MD-PhD Program) from 1988-2003
- Submitted and renewed NIH-NIGMS MSTP training grants for 15 years
- Associate Director of MSTP since 2003
- Service on NIH-NIGMS Study Section (BRT) from 1998-2003
Following the termination of his competitive research funding in 2005, Dr. Fisher ended his research career for health reasons and shifted his focus to medical education. He currently serves as Course Director for Medical Pharmacology, a year-long course for second-year medical and dental students, and is heavily involved in curricular design and revision for both Medical and Dental Schools. His educational responsibilities now encompass undergraduate programs, nursing and allied health professions' programs, a PhD program in Pharmacology, and standard programs for medical and dental students.
