معرفی
Paula J. Schlax is the Stella James Sims Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Bates College. Her research focuses on translational regulation, RNA localization, and RNA decay in spirochetes, particularly in Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. She investigates the thermodynamic and kinetic roles of mRNA folding in regulating RNA levels and translation. Schlax is also active in promoting equity and inclusion in STEM education.
Education:
- BS in Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University
- PhD in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Postdoctoral Training in Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University
Research Interests:
Her work spans biophysical chemistry, gene expression regulation, mRNA degradation, and prokaryotic biology. She explores protein-nucleic acid interactions, transcription, and translation mechanisms in pathogenic bacteria. Recent studies highlight post-transcriptional regulation and RNA-binding proteins in Lyme disease pathogens.
Grants and Funding:
- 2023-2028: NIH R01 subaward ($178,000) for studying regulatory networks in Lyme disease pathogens
- 2020-2024: NIH R01 co-PI ($99,470) on SpoVG and PlzA regulation
- 2019-2020: NIH R21 ($372,639) for RNA localization studies using fluorescence nanoscopy
- 2018-2023: HHMI Inclusive Excellence Project Director
Labs and Teams: Her laboratory integrates biophysical and molecular approaches to study spirochete RNA dynamics. Collaborations include researchers at Indiana University, University of Kentucky, and Bates College.
