جست‌وجوی استاد و پژوهشگر

Seth Parkerمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

• Cancer Metabolism
• Nutrient Transporter Biology
• Childhood Leukemia
• +۶ مورد دیگر

Dr. Seth Parker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine . Based at BC Children’s Hospital, his research group deciphers how nutrient transporters and metabolic reprogramming drive diseases such as cancer, with a special focus on childhood leukemia. He combines biochemical assays, molecular biology, and cutting-edge mass-spectrometry platforms to reveal druggable metabolic vulnerabilities. Research Interests Transporter Biology: Discovery and functional characterization of solute carrier (SLC) transporters that dictate nutrient flux in diseased cells. Compartmentalized Metabolism: Development of organelle-specific metabolomics to understand how enzyme isoform localization provides a proliferative advantage to tumors. Pediatric Leukemia: Identification of selective metabolic dependencies in relapsed childhood leukemia and evaluation of transporter-targeted therapies as alternatives to systemic nutrient depletion. Research Output & Trends Across 2020-2024, Dr. Parker has co-authored multiple high-impact studies ( Nature, Cell, Nat Cancer, Cancer Discov ) that collectively map metabolic rewiring in pancreatic cancer, glioma, Ewing sarcoma, and leukemia. A consistent theme is the integration of metabolomics, proteomics, and in vivo models to translate metabolic findings into therapeutic strategies. Scientific Awards No specific awards were listed in the provided text. Training & Mentorship Dr. Parker actively recruits graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and research associates. His lab website invites prospective trainees to inquire about opportunities in metabolomics, transporter biology, and pediatric cancer research. Labs & Teams The Parker Laboratory is located in the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, with access to core facilities for mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and animal models, fostering collaborative networks across UBC and the BC Cancer Research Centre.

• Signal Regulated Transcription
• Chromatin and Gene Regulation
• Nuclear Receptors
• +۷ مورد دیگر

W. Lee Kraus is a Professor and Director at the Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he also holds leadership roles including Vice Chair for Basic Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assistant Director for Basic Research at the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Assistant Dean for Research Development. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Endocrine Society (2023–2026). Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1994) Postdoctoral Research, University of California, San Diego B.S., Cornell University (1989) Dr. Kraus's research centers on signal-regulated transcription, chromatin and gene regulation, nuclear receptors, PARPs, and NAD+ metabolism and signaling. His work has elucidated the roles of ADP-ribosylation in transcriptional control, enhancer function, and cancer biology. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles in top journals such as Science , Cell , and Molecular Cell . His recent publications reveal a strong focus on PARP enzymes, enhancer RNAs, NAD+ compartmentalization, and the interplay between metabolism and gene regulation. Themes across his work include the functional roles of ADP-ribosylation in transcription, splicing, translation, and cancer, with implications for therapeutic development. Scientific honors include: Endocrine Society’s Richard E. Weitzman Memorial Award (2007) Endocrine Society’s Ernst Oppenheimer Award (2014) Cornell University Teaching Excellence Award (2004) Cornell University Mentoring Excellence Award (2008) Dr. Kraus has been a successful mentor, training 22 doctoral students, 26 postdocs, and 16 clinical fellows, most of whom have secured faculty or research positions in academia or industry. His research has been supported by grants from the NIH, American Cancer Society, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, CPRIT, and NSF. He is also active in biotech, having co-founded Ribon Therapeutics and ARase Therapeutics, and serves on scientific advisory boards for startup companies. He leads the Kraus Lab at UT Southwestern, which continues to pioneer research in transcriptional regulation and metabolic signaling.

Phil Batesمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Plant Lipid Metabolism
• Fatty Acid Biosynthesis
• Bioenergy Crops
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Phil Bates is an Associate Professor at Washington State University (WSU), affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and the Department of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on plant lipid metabolism, specifically understanding fatty acid flux dynamics in storage and membrane lipids across diverse plant species such as Arabidopsis, soybean, canola, and Physaria fendleri. He employs biochemical, genetic, and omics approaches, including isotopic tracing, to identify metabolic bottlenecks and engineer designer oils for food, biofuel, and industrial applications. Bates holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2008). His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with recent projects involving the Danforth Plant Science Center and the University of Alberta. He leads the Bates Lipid Lab, which investigates lipid remodeling mechanisms, stress responses, and metabolic reprogramming in oilseeds. Research interests include optimizing oilseed traits for biotechnological use, developing analytical methods for lipid quantification, and elucidating gene regulation in lipid biosynthesis pathways. His lab’s discoveries, such as the TAG remodeling mechanism in Physaria fendleri, advance efforts to produce industrially valuable oils with tailored fatty acid compositions. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his contributions to plant lipidomics and metabolic engineering are widely recognized in peer-reviewed journals. His outreach includes maintaining an active Bluesky profile and lab Facebook group, highlighting the lab’s scientific missions and challenges in lipid research.

• Cell Biology
• Epithelial Cell Physiology
• Membrane Protein Trafficking
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Michael J. Caplan is the C.N.H. Long Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Professor of Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chair of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology. He has been a faculty member at Yale since 1988, following the completion of his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University in 1987. His academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Biology from Harvard University in 1980. Dr. Caplan's research program focuses on understanding how membrane proteins are sorted in polarized epithelial cells, with particular emphasis on the Na,K-ATPase (sodium pump) in renal epithelial cells. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms responsible for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), particularly through studies of the polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 proteins. His work has revealed that polycystin-1 undergoes proteolytic cleavage to release its C-terminal tail, which enters the nucleus and modulates signaling pathways including Wnt signaling. His research also explores connections between renal cilia and olfactory signaling pathways in kidney function. Analysis of Dr. Caplan's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying polycystic kidney disease, with particular attention to protein trafficking, membrane contact sites, transcriptional regulation in cystic cells, and novel therapeutic approaches. His work spans multiple disciplines including cell biology, molecular physiology, and translational medicine, with increasing integration of advanced imaging techniques and nanotechnology approaches. Dr. Caplan has received numerous prestigious awards including: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2023) Carl W. Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship from the American Physiological Society (2012) Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Nephrology (1998) National Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation Fellowships from the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation and David and Lucille Packard Foundation As an educator and mentor, Dr. Caplan has received Yale's Postdoctoral Mentoring Prize (2010) and Bohmfalk Award for Excellence in Basic Science Teaching (2000). He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Physiology and on the Board of Directors of the American Physiological Society. His laboratory continues to be at the forefront of research on kidney cell biology and polycystic kidney disease pathogenesis, with ongoing investigations into novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms of disease progression.

Katrin Philipparمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Membrane Transport Proteins
• Chloroplast Biology
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Prof. Dr. Katrin Philippar is a full Professor of Molecular Plant Biology at Saarland University, where she holds the Chair for Plant Biology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Department of Biosciences. Her research group investigates membrane transport mechanisms in plant cells, with a focus on chloroplast envelope proteins involved in fatty acid export and iron homeostasis. Her research interests include membrane transport proteins, chloroplast biology, fatty acid and lipid metabolism, iron homeostasis, and structure-function analysis of transporters. Using model systems such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , her work aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular transport in plants. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in plant membrane biology, particularly in fatty acid export (FAX proteins), iron transport, and chloroplast function. Key themes include protein degradation in stress responses, lipid metabolism in bioenergy contexts, and evolutionary aspects of transport systems. The research bridges molecular genetics, biochemistry, and physiology. Scientific Awards: No explicit awards or fellowships mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Has advised multiple doctoral students including Wassilina Bugaeva, Anne Könnel, Janick Peter, and currently Zahraa Ousseily. Currently leading a project funded by the DFG Schwerpunktprogramm 2337 "MAdLand: Molecular Adaptation to Land - plant evolution to change" (awarded October 2023). Research Team and Lab: Leads the Plant Biology research group at Saarland University. Team includes academic staff (Dr. Jens Neunzig, Dr. Alexander Banguela-Castillo), doctoral researchers, laboratory technicians (Angelika Anna, Andrea Fritsch), a master gardener (Andrea Jungmann-George), and administrative support (Nathalie Sebening). Laboratory work involves molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemical characterization of transport proteins.

• Geriatrics
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Hypertension
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Philip A. Kithas, MD, PhD, serves as Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Family & Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he directs geriatric care at the Madsen Health Center in Salt Lake City. With 25 years of prior service at the George E. Wahlen Salt Lake Veterans Health Care System—including leadership as General Medicine Section Chief from 1999 to 2006—he transitioned to his current academic-clinical role after retiring from the VA system. His educational background includes: BA in Biology from the University of Utah BS in Human Biology from the University of South Alabama PhD in Pharmacology from the University of South Alabama College MD from the University of South Alabama Residency and Chief Medical Residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine Dr. Kithas' research centers on geriatric cardiovascular medicine, with deep expertise in hypertension management, hyperlipidemia, and anticoagulation protocols for elderly patients. His work addresses the complex interplay of multiple chronic conditions in aging populations, emphasizing patient education and partnership in care. Early career research investigated molecular mechanisms of cardiac function, particularly phosphodiesterase enzyme systems, while recent publications focus on practical clinical approaches for geriatric hypertension. His publication record reveals a clear evolution from foundational molecular cardiology studies in the 1980s-1990s to applied geriatric cardiovascular research in the 2000s-2020s. The 2010-2020 period features significant contributions to hypertension management guidelines for older adults, including considerations for chronic kidney disease and vascular stiffness, while earlier work established critical insights into cardiac enzyme regulation during development. Dr. Kithas has received exceptional patient feedback (5.0/5 from 19 reviews), with testimonials highlighting his compassionate care, thorough explanations, and unprecedented personal follow-up—including evening phone calls to ensure patient compliance. His administrative contributions include quality improvement initiatives across VA clinics and community-based outpatient facilities. As an educator, he has trained generations of medical providers in geriatric care principles, though specific mentee names are not documented. His current work continues to bridge clinical practice, education, and research at the University of Utah's Madsen Geriatric Clinic, with ongoing focus on optimizing cardiovascular outcomes for aging patients.

Jared Rutterمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Metabolism
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Cell Signaling
• +۶ مورد دیگر

Jared Rutter is Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology at the University of Utah, where he is also an HHMI Investigator. His laboratory spans the Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology PhD programs, using yeast, Drosophila, mammalian cells, and mice to dissect metabolism and mitochondrial biology. Education B.S., Brigham Young University Ph.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Research Focus The Rutter group is driven by a central question: how does metabolism control cell fate? They pursue three interlocking themes: MIDAS platform — high-throughput mass spectrometry coupled to equilibrium dialysis for systematic discovery of allosteric metabolite-protein interactions. Mitochondrial Biology — multidisciplinary genetics, imaging, and biochemical approaches to reveal evolutionarily conserved proteins governing mitochondrial function and human disease. Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC) — a complex they discovered in 2012 that dictates pyruvate fate, thereby steering energy production, stemness, and cancer cell proliferation. Publication Trends Across >50 high-impact papers from 2009-2025, Rutter’s work defines how metabolites serve as signaling molecules, how mitochondrial transporters gate metabolic flux, and how rewiring these pathways can treat cancer, heart failure, and inherited metabolic disorders. His most recent studies integrate metabolomics with structural biology to map allosteric networks and exploit them therapeutically. Scientific Awards While specific honors are not enumerated in the source text, Rutter’s designation as an HHMI Investigator and Distinguished Professor signals sustained national and international recognition. Training & Collaboration The Rutter laboratory welcomes rotation students and fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations across the University of Utah Health Sciences campus and beyond. Prospective trainees are encouraged to contact Dr. Rutter directly or follow the lab website and Twitter @RutterLab .

• Neuroscience
• Cholinergic System
• Molecular Genetics
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Julie Miwa serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at Lehigh University. Her research laboratory investigates complex neurobiological processes with a specific focus on the cholinergic system and its regulation through lynx genes. Dr. Miwa's work employs a highly multidisciplinary approach that combines molecular genetics, genetic engineering, electrophysiology, behavioral analysis, and biochemical techniques. Dr. Miwa's research centers on lynx proteins, which function as molecular brakes on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Her laboratory generates genetically engineered mouse lines to characterize how these regulatory proteins influence neural function and behavior. Key findings from her research demonstrate that manipulating lynx proteins affects learning capabilities, critical period plasticity, anxiety responses, and neuronal survival. Her work has significant implications for understanding neural adaptation mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions. Analysis of Dr. Miwa's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of research focused on cholinergic regulation, with particular emphasis on lynx proteins and their interactions with nicotinic receptors. Her work spans molecular mechanisms, cellular function, and behavioral outcomes, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to neuroscience research. The publications show increasing sophistication in techniques and expanding applications to understanding neural plasticity, learning mechanisms, and potential relevance to neurological disorders. Dr. Miwa's laboratory actively seeks researchers with expertise in molecular genetics, genetic engineering, behavioral pharmacology, and biochemical techniques. Her research program appears to be well-established with consistent publication output across nearly two decades, indicating sustained funding and productive research operations. While specific grant information isn't provided in the available text, the longevity and productivity of her research program suggest successful grant acquisition and management. The laboratory focuses on investigating how lynx proteins regulate the cholinergic system through multidisciplinary approaches. Current research directions include examining the role of lynx proteins in motor learning, anxiety-related behaviors, and neuronal health during aging. The lab utilizes genetically engineered mouse models combined with electrophysiological, behavioral, biochemical, and microscopic techniques to unravel the complex relationships between molecular regulation and behavioral outcomes.

Matthew James Smithمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Cancer Biology
• Structural Biology
• Cell Signaling
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Dr. Matthew James Smith is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine , University of Montreal , leading the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology within the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) . His lab integrates structural biology , biophysics , and evolutionary bioinformatics to decode RAS GTPase signaling in cancer contexts. Research Themes : RAS protein networks, cancer mutations, structural dynamics, and effector validation Technologies : NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, proteomics, and cell-based assays Recent studies (2025-2024) highlight MRAS as a pseudoinactive GTPase , ARF interactome spatial organization , and RASSF-YAP signaling crosstalk . His work reveals how disease mutations alter signaling hierarchies and binding specificities. Scientific Recognition : Canada Research Chair in Cancer Signaling and Structural Biology Recipient of $4M research chair funding (2020) Contact : matthew.james.smith@umontreal.ca | smithlabiric@gmail.com

Anne Kenworthyمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Anne Kenworthy is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on the architecture and function of biological membranes, with a particular emphasis on lipid rafts and caveolae in health and disease. Primary Appointment: Professor, Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia Education: BA in Biology from Kenyon College, PhD in Cell Biology from Duke University School of Medicine Postdoctoral Training: Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University, Cell Biology at NIH Her work combines live cell imaging, biophysics, structural analysis, and biochemical approaches to investigate: How proteins and lipids cooperate to form lipid rafts Exploitation of rafts by bacterial toxins Cholesterol's role in Alzheimer's disease Caveolin-1 mutations in breast cancer and pulmonary hypertension Structural basis for caveolae formation Recent studies highlight lipid peroxidation effects on phase separation, caveolin mutation structural analysis, and toxin-membrane interactions. She has contributed extensively to understanding membrane microdomains through 15 recent publications spanning 2024–2020. Her lab employs advanced techniques including: Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) Single Particle Electron Microscopy AlphaFold2 Structural Prediction High-Content Imaging Platforms The research has implications for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and infectious disease mechanisms.

Niels Ørtenbladمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Muscle Physiology
• Cellular Biomechanics
• Metabolism
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Niels Ørtenblad , a Professor at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, is a leading researcher in muscle physiology and biomechanics. His work focuses on the interplay between subcellular structures like glycogen, sarcoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in skeletal muscle function. Research Unit of Muscle Physiology and Biomechanics Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports collaborations Research Interests: Muscle metabolism, calcium ion regulation, glycogen storage, mitochondrial dynamics, and the impact of exercise on subcellular organelles. His studies explore how localized glycogen depletion affects sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release, impairing muscle function during metabolic stress. Recent Article Trends: Investigations into high-altitude adaptation, endurance athlete lipid-mitochondria interactions, glycogen's role in cardiovascular diseases, and strength training effects on calcium handling. These works span disciplines like Exercise Biochemistry , Cellular Physiology , and Sports Performance Optimization . Teaching: He supervises courses such as 'Muscle Metabolism and E-C Coupling – Role in Exercise, Training and Disease' and contributes to 'Exercise as Medicine - Musculoskeletal Disorders'. Activities: Frequent lecturer on topics like 'Role of glycogen in skeletal muscle Ca²⁺ regulation' and 'Neuroprotective effects of aerobic exercise in multiple sclerosis,' with international collaborations.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Organelle Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Inês Castro is an Assistant Professor in Biology and Associate Director for Global Experience within the CoMEMS faculty at Northeastern University London. She holds a PhD in Biosciences from the University of Exeter (2016), an MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Coimbra (2011), and a BSc in Applied Biology from the University of Minho (2009). Her research focuses on organelle function and interactions, particularly in peroxisomes and membrane contact sites across diverse model organisms. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral work at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she studied contact site proteins in yeast using high-throughput techniques and microscopy. Key contributions include identifying molecular links between peroxisomes and kinesin motors, ER-peroxisome contact sites, and lipid transport mechanisms. She has established Biology courses for Mobility students and teaches General Biology I and II. Inês’ research spans cellular lipid distribution, organelle motility, and disease relevance of organelle dysfunction. Her work integrates in silico , in vivo , and microscopy approaches. Awards include the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2023). Teaching and administrative roles include course leadership for General Biology I and contributions to other Biology courses. Her work supports Northeastern’s global academic network, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and student mobility programs.

David I. Yuleمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Intracellular Calcium Signaling
• Exocrine Cell Physiology
• Signal Transduction
• +۳ مورد دیگر

David I. Yule, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , holding dual appointments in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology/Hepatology . His research focuses on intracellular calcium signaling in exocrine cells , particularly pancreatic acinar cells and salivary gland cells , investigating how IP3 receptors and ryanodine receptors regulate fluid secretion , enzyme release , and pathophysiological responses in diseases like acute pancreatitis and Sjögren's Syndrome . Ph.D., University of Liverpool (1989) B.S., Portsmouth Polytechnic (1985) Postdoctoral work: MRC Secretory Control Group, University of Liverpool and University of Michigan Yule's lab employs high-speed confocal microscopy , antisense technology , and fluorescence imaging to dissect agonist-specific signaling pathways and calcium release site organization . Current projects include studying IP3 receptor phosphorylation , genetic defects in calcium signaling linked to dry mouth diseases, and mitochondrial interactions in calcium dynamics. His recent 15 most influential publications span topics from IP3R isoform regulation in gluconeogenesis to calcium oscillation modeling and Bcl-2 family modulation of apoptotic signaling . Collaborative work with institutions like Stanford and KU Leuven has produced key insights into organellar calcium channels . Recipient of the Louis C. Lasagna Professorship in Experimental Therapeutics (2016) Awarded with the 2016 Convocation Award at University of Rochester As mentor, Yule supervises graduate students in multidisciplinary research, including projects on radiation-induced salivary dysfunction (Amanda Wahl, NIH F31 awardee) and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling . His lab maintains a 3D computational modeling partnership with J. Sneyd to integrate experimental data with theoretical frameworks.

Timothy J. Lewisمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Mathematical Physiology
• Neurobiology
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Timothy J. Lewis is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Davis, with a research focus on mathematical physiology, neurobiology, and excitable media. He has held positions at UC Davis since 2004, progressing from Assistant to Associate to Full Professor. Ph.D. in Mathematics (University of Utah, 1998) M.S. in Mathematics (University of Utah, 1993) M.Sc. in Physiology (McGill University, 1991) B.Sc. in Physiology and Physics (McGill University, 1988) His research interests include: Mathematical modeling of excitable media Neurobiology of electrically coupled neurons Cardiac electrophysiology and pharmacology Weakly coupled oscillator theory Dynamical systems in biological contexts His recent work spans computational neuroscience, cardiac drug interactions, and biomechanical systems. Key trends include: Modeling subcellular cAMP compartmentation Optimizing neurocardiac digital twins Analyzing sodium channel blocker efficacy Investigating spiral wave stability in excitable tissue Scientific awards include: 2011 G. Thomas Sallee Award for undergraduate teaching 2007 Galois Group Service Award He has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including: Jiawei Zhang (Ph.D. 2013, now at University of Arizona) Michael Schwemmer (Ph.D. 2010, now at Battelle Memorial Institute) Steffen Docken (current Ph.D. candidate)

Robert L Lastمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Plant Biochemistry
• Specialized Metabolism
• Plant Resilience
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Robert L Last is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and holds the Barnett Rosenberg Chair in Plant Biology at Michigan State University. His research focuses on plant specialized metabolism, particularly in biosynthetic pathway regulation, with applications to food security and plant resilience. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Carnegie-Mellon University (1986), B.A. in Chemistry from Ohio Wesleyan University (1980) Research interests include: Chloroplast-targeted protein function discovery through phenomics Specialized metabolite pathways in secretory glandular trichomes Systems biology approaches to plant metabolic networks Evolutionary origins of plant-specialized metabolism Genomics-driven improvements in plant nutritional and stress response Development of analytical chemistry techniques for metabolite profiling Recent publications highlight: Metabolic innovations in plant stress response (2025) Evolutionary mechanisms of biochemical pathway diversification (2024) Key enzyme discoveries in specialized metabolite production (2024) Gene cluster evolution across Solanaceae species (2022) Scientific awards include: 2017 Postdoctoral Mentor Award, MSU College of Natural Science 2012 Distinguished Faculty Award, MSU 2009 Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science 2009 Fellow of American Society of Plant Biologists 1990 NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award He leads the Last Lab , which collaborates with institutions like University of Arizona and University of Michigan on plant metabolism research. Current projects include NSF-funded Chloroplast Phenomics and Plant Specialized Evolution initiatives, utilizing advanced genomics and mass spectrometry techniques.