Thomas B Bartnikas

Thomas B Bartnikas is an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Brown University and Director of the MD/PhD Program. His research focuses on metal homeostasis in human biology, particularly iron and manganese regulation in health and disease.

• Education:
  • PhD in Molecular Cell Biology (Washington University in St. Louis, 2004)
  • MD (Washington University in St. Louis, 2004)
  • BA (Cornell University, 1996)

Dr. Bartnikas investigates molecular mechanisms of metal absorption, distribution, and elimination using mouse and cell culture models. His work connects genetic mutations, dietary imbalances, and environmental exposures to metal-related disorders like hemochromatosis. Recent publications emphasize hepcidin regulation, divalent metal transport, and metal toxicity pathways.

Scientific contributions include:

• NIH-funded research on iron and manganese homeostasis
• Development of novel animal models for metal disorders
• Key discoveries in transferrin and BMP signaling interactions

He received the NIDDK K99/R00 DK084122 award and collaborates with international BioIron researchers. Dr. Bartnikas teaches BIOL 2860 - Molecular Mechanisms of Disease and contributes to biomedical science education through the MD/PhD program.