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Jennifer E. Phillips-Cremins, PhD

BJC Investigator and James S. McDonnell Professor

Program affiliation
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Neurosciences
Computational and Systems Biology
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
The Cremins lab integrates molecular and computational biology to elucidate how the genome’s structure-function relationship influences synaptic plasticity and neurophysiology during memory encoding and consolidation and how this goes awry in intractable neurological disorders.

Key words
chromatin, neuroepigenetics, 3D genome, synaptic plasticity, Alzheimer's, repeat expansion disorders, chromatin-synapse communication, neural connectome, organoids

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David W. Piston, PhD

Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Professor and Head of the Department of Cell Biology & Physiology

Program affiliation
Molecular Cell Biology
Computational and Systems Biology
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

Research summary
Studies of the Molecular Pathways of Islet Hormone Secretion

Key words
Diabetes, Biophysics, Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Hyperspectral Imaging, Glucagon

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Jay W. Ponder, PhD

Associate Professor

Program affiliation
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Computational and Systems Biology

Research summary
Computational chemistry, protein engineering, theoretical protein structure and folding

Key words
molecular modeling, protein structure, computational chemistry, molecular dynamics simulation, protein engineering

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Michael A. Province, PhD

Professor

Program affiliation
Human and Statistical Genetics
Computational and Systems Biology
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

Research summary
Mathematical development, evaluation, and application of new, and state-of-the-art statistical genetics methodology for complex traits and diseases, with a fondness for run-on sentences.

Key words
biostatistics, genetic epidemiology, human genetics, mathematical modeling, statistical genetics, systems biology

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Sid Puram, MD, PhD

Lindburg Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology

Program affiliation
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Cancer Biology
Computational and Systems Biology
Immunology
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Research summary
Understanding the role of tumor heterogeneity in cancer biology using single cell and spatial techniques, with an emphasis on how tumor subpopulations (malignant, stromal, and immune cells) drive cancer development, growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. We are particularly focused on how to translate these insights into new diagnostics and novel therapeutics.

Key words
tumor heterogeneity; single cell; spatial transcriptomics; head and neck cancer; signaling

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Eli Roberson, PhD

Assistant Professor

Program affiliation
Human and Statistical Genetics
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Computational and Systems Biology
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

Research summary
Using bench molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics to understand human inflammatory / autoimmune disease.

Key words
human genetics; autoimmune; inflammatory disease; biomarkers; high-throughput sequencing; precision medicine

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Janice L. Robertson, PhD

Associate Professor

Program affiliation
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Computational and Systems Biology
Neurosciences

Research summary
To understand how and why membrane proteins fold, form stable complexes, and achieve conformational stability inside of the oil-filled cell membrane.

Key words
membrane protein; single-molecule; TIRF microscopy; protein folding; thermodynamics; lipids; oligomerization

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Philip Ruzycki, PhD

Assistant Professor

Program affiliation
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
Computational and Systems Biology

Research summary

Key words
retina development, epigenetics, histones

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Nancy L. Saccone, PhD

Associate Professor

Program affiliation
Human and Statistical Genetics
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Computational and Systems Biology

Research summary
Statistical genetics, complex human diseases, analysis methods

Key words
genetics, substance dependence, addiction, human disease gene mapping, association studies, linkage and linkage disequilibrium

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Vijay K. Samineni, PhD

Assistant Professor

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Computational and Systems Biology

Research summary
Intersection between visceral sensation, organ function, and emotions

Key words
Visceral Pain, Genomics, Neural Circuits, Emotions