معرفی
Wen Lu, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Her primary research focuses on cytoskeletal regulation and molecular motor coordination in super-large cells including oocytes and neurons, utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. She employs high-resolution live microscopy, genetic engineering, optogenetics, and pharmacological manipulations to investigate microtubule and F-actin dynamics in cellular development and regeneration.
Her educational background includes a BS from Peking University (2004) and a PhD from The University of Chicago (2010), followed by postdoctoral training at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Lu maintains active affiliations with the American Society for Cell Biology (2019-2024) and the Genetics Society of America (2022-2023), and serves on the FlyBase Community Advisory Group since 2014.
Research interests center on cytoskeletal dynamics in cellular polarization, with particular emphasis on oocyte specification, growth mechanisms, and neuronal regeneration after injury. Her work bridges developmental biology and neurobiology through innovative imaging techniques that reveal molecular transport mechanisms in cellular systems. Current investigations explore microtubule movement regulation and the interplay between cytoskeletal elements during critical developmental processes.
Publication trends demonstrate strong interdisciplinary focus spanning cell biology, neurobiology, and imaging sciences, with recent work increasingly incorporating translational elements in ophthalmology and oncology. Her articles reveal consistent methodological innovation in live-cell imaging and genetic manipulation techniques applied to fundamental biological questions.
- Winner 2025 Drosophila Art Contest, The FlyStuff / Genesee Scientific Team
- Winner of CDB Graphic Design Contest, CDB Special Events Committee (2024)
- Winner in Category 2, Microscopy Image Competition 2024, ProteinTech Group
- 2nd Prize in Published Category, Microscopy Today Micrograph Awards (2024)
- BINA 2022 Image Contest- People's Choice Award, BioImaging North America
Dr. Lu serves on the FlyBase Community Advisory Group and maintains industry relationships including ownership in Quantum Music LLC. Her laboratory work integrates advanced microscopy with genetic models to address fundamental questions in cellular organization, with potential implications for understanding developmental disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.
