Biochemistry and molecular genetics of plant and yeast secondary metabolism; research on improving undergraduate science education with a particular emphasis on improving outcomes for students from groups that are underrepresented in STEM.
Molecular mechanisms of self/non-self recognition in non-vertebrates; characterization of stem cells and development processes underlying regeneration and aging.
I hold a doctorate in immunology and hematopoietic stem cell development. My current work in biology education focuses on helping students thrive in college, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. My lab explores how sense of belonging impacts student persistence and success, as well as quantifying cognitive engagement linked to academic outcomes.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Neuronal Development; Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases; Structure, Function and Regulation of the Microtubule Associated Protein, Tau; Cytoskeletal Regulation.
Research Professor Distinguished Professor Emeritus
6121 Biology II
Structure and function in the vertebrate retina with an emphasis on mechanisms underlying photoreceptor degeneration and the role of glial cells in normal and injured or diseased retina.
Discipline Based Educational Research. Effect of pedagogical strategies and course structures on student success. Mentoring and learning communities as responses to education disparities.
Molecular genetics and biochemistry of bacterial contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems; mechanisms of tmRNA- and ArfA-mediated ribosome rescue.
Harriman Professor of Neuroscience
6139A Biology II
Neural plasticity including the molecular basis of plasticity, the evolution of synapses, and disease-related impairments of plasticity such as occurs in Alzheimer's disease.
The overarching focus of the Kranzfelder lab is developing evidence-based knowledge, practices, and assessments to improve biology (and STEM) teaching and learning at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, especially at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction; Alzheimer's Disease and other protein aggregation/misfolding diseases; molecular biology, enzymology, and protein structure/function.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus
3306 Life Sciences
Cellular communication between bacteria, including mechanisms and biology of contact-dependent growth inhibition; epigenetic gene regulatory mechanisms.
Duggan Professor and Distinguished Professor
4130-I Biology II
Combination of molecular, genetic, and state-of-the-art imaging approaches to define and solve fundamental questions in cell and developmental biology with implications for neurodegenerative disease, ischemic diseases and cancer.
Research Professor Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
3155 Marine Biotechnology
Bio-inspired catalytic nanofabrication, tunable photonic materials and dynamic self-assembly. Applications to semiconductors, high-power batteries, electro-optics, IR and solar energy.
Research Professor Professor Emeritus
1123 Biology II
Tetrahymena genetics and genomics; genetic, physical and sequence mapping of the germline and expressed genomes of the unicellular eukaryote, Tetrahymena thermophila.
Interested in how cells interact with their environment, mechanisms of cellular communication, and also how cells process and relay information in the context of both disease and development.
Safinya’s research revolves around elucidation of structures and interactions in assemblies of biological molecules and soft matter systems, including, liquid crystalline biological matter.
Research Professor, and C.A. Storke II Professor and Distinguished Professor, Emeritus
2119 Life Sciences
Antiviral innate immunity and interferon action, with focus on the roles of double-stranded RNA in translational control by the PKR kinase and A-to-I RNA editing by the ADAR1 deaminase.
Cell biology of the nervous system and muscle; mechanisms of ion channel trafficking; function and regulation of potassium channels; neuronal cell polarity.
The Volland Lab focuses on exploring and understanding uncultivated, giant bacteria, like Thiomargarita magnifica, to challenge traditional views of bacterial life and uncover fundamental processes of life through innovative microscopy and genomic techniques.
Structure-properties relationships in loadbearing marine biomolecular materials, e.g. from mussels, squid and whelks, at different length and time scales to design new materials.
Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and related renal diseases. Membrane trafficking and epithelial cell polarity.
Research Professor Distinguished Professor Emeritus
1119 Life Sciences
Mechanism and regulation of microtubule polymerization and dynamics; mechanism of action of microtubule-targeted anticancer drugs and microtubule-regulatory proteins.
Associate Teaching Professor Associate Dean- Division of Undergraduate Education
Room 3302
Instruction and mentorship of biology majors; research into how mentorship and improved course structure influence student academic success and retention in the major.
