Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology

Student Profiles

Zach Via
Fox Lab
BMCB Field (entered program in fall 2006)

From: Ester, Alaska
Undergraduate: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; BS (Biochemistry) 2006

Statement

When I was applying to graduate schools, I knew that Cornell was one of the top schools in the country, but it wasn’t until I visited Ithaca that I realized how much Cornell has to offer. The staff and faculty here are generous and helpful, and graduate students have the opportunity to pursue both research and teaching interests in a great atmosphere. It is easy to gather together a committee from diverse fields, and interdisciplinary work is encouraged. To top it off, Ithaca is a wonderful place to live, with lots of fun local events and outdoor activities.

Research

I’m currently starting my fourth year in the Fox lab, studying the assembly of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex using Saccharyomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. My particular research deals with a nuclear encoded protein, Mss51, and its function in assembling Cox1 into Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) of the respiratory chain. The work is an enjoyable combination of molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics.

Shih Lin (Lynda) Goh
Sondermann lab and Feigenson lab (joint student)
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2006)

From: Malaysia
Undergraduate: Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster PA, BS chemistry 2006

Statement

The diversity of the research offered in the Field of BMCB is one of the main reasons I chose Cornell. The field brings together faculty from various departments, such as Pharmacology, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, and Plant Sciences. Hence, students from BMCB have ample opportunities to work in multidisciplinary research, and collaborate with different research groups to answer a common scientific question. Coming from a small liberal arts college with strong foundations in the sciences, I did not want my choices to be limited in graduate school. I have also grown to enjoy living in Ithaca. It not only offers the beauty of nature with its gorges, creeks, and state parks; but also provides the charm and peace of a small town.

Research

The ability of cells to maintain and change the shapes of their membranes is vital for many cellular processes. The Sondermann lab is interested in peripheral membrane proteins containing BAR/F-BAR domains that have been identified as membrane remodelers involved in endocytosis. Using X-ray crystallography and various in vitro functional assays, we have obtained the structure of Pacsin (an F-BAR domain protein), and gained insights into its mechanism of membrane deformation.
On the other hand, changes in membrane topology also depend on mechanical properties of the membrane, which is determined by its lipid composition. Since the complexity of the plasma membrane presents a difficult system to study the behaviors of lipid mixing, the Feigenson lab utilizes synthetic lipids mixtures consisting of only a few components to systematically examine lipid phase behavior. Main techniques used in the lab include fluorescence microscopy, FRET, and X-ray diffraction.
As a joint student of both labs, I am interested in studying the interplay between the phase behavior of the plasma membrane and the membrane remodeling activity of BAR/F-BAR domain proteins using model membrane mixtures.

Amber Krauchunas
Wolfner lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2006)

From: New Jersey
Undergraduate: Mt Holyoke College, South Hadley MA, BA 2006

Statement

What drew me to Cornell and the BMCB program was the science. There were so many labs doing research that I found to be both interesting and exciting. Coming to Cornell was an easy decision because I knew I would have no difficulty finding a lab to join. I also appreciated the diversity of the labs within the department, which allowed me to explore a variety of interests during my rotations and find the lab and the project that I truly wanted to pursue. Finally, there is the friendly and collaborative nature of BMCB. It is a wonderful environment to work in, and you know that everyone wants you to succeed. After my first visit I felt I would be happy to spend my graduate career here, and today I still know that Cornell was the right choice for me.

Research

My project in the Wolfner lab is focused on the phosphorylation changes that take place during egg activation in Drosophila melanogaster. Egg activation refers to the events that occur when a mature oocyte transitions to an egg capable of supporting embryogenesis. Despite all the changes at this time of development, little to no transcription is observed. However, studies have shown that differences exist between the proteomes of mature oocytes and activated eggs. Contributing to the changes in the proteome are changes in protein phosphorylation state. We know that MAPK activity levels decrease and CamKII activity increases during egg activation, and that the protein phosphatase calcineurin is essential for activation. In addition, there are two proteins that have been shown to be dephosphorylated upon activation, both of which are needed for early embryonic development. I have been using mass spectrometry approaches to find additional proteins that undergo changes in their phosphorylation state during this oocyte to embryo transition, with the future goal of characterizing their roles in the events of egg activation.

Steven Petesch Stephanie Yazinski
Weiss Lab
BMCB Field (entered program in fall 2005)

From: Moosic, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate: University of Scranton, Scranton, PA; BS (Biochemistry, Biomathematics) in 2005

Statement

I chose the BMCB program because of the diversity of labs that belong to this field. The program allowed me to rotate in three very different labs working with three different organisms to find a lab that best suited my interests. The diversity also allows for several collaborations within the department. In addition, the BMCB program provides an opportunity to give scientific presentations at least once a year at the field seminar series.

Research

The Weiss Lab is interested in mechanisms of maintaining genomic stability, cellular responses to genome maintenance, and mouse models of cancer. My project involves elucidating roles for the DNA damage checkpoint protein Hus1 in cell transformation and tumor development in mice using several mouse models of cancer. In addition, I am utilizing the conditional Hus1 allele developed by our lab to examine the requirements for the DNA damage checkpoint protein Hus1 in the mouse mammary gland.

Changrui (Ray) Lu
BMCB (entered program fall 2005)

From: Shanghai, China
Undergraduate: Undergraduate: Colgate University '05, Hamilton NY; BA in Molecular Biology

Statement

Very few colleges around the world can offer the combination of world-class research facility, education and picturesque surroundings of gorges, waterfalls and lakes. Therefore choosing Cornell was a no-brainer, knowing that Cornell can provide excellent training, productivity, as well as a peaceful and healthy life style that are unimaginable in big cities. The graduate program includes researchers in various fields, anything from population genetics to structural biology of single molecules. The wide range of expertise and research topics creates many collaborations and interdisciplinary studies that prepare a student well for future challenges. The friendly, helpful and collaborative environment in the program makes learning and research much more efficient and enjoyable.

Research

I am interested in atomic resolution structures of various RNA and RNA binding proteins, in order to understand their biological roles and mechanisms. For example, I have recently characterized two distinct RNA riboswitch structures bound to S-adenosylmethionine, which could potentially be drug targets in many pathogens.

Steven Petesch
Lis Lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2005)

From: Seattle, Washington
Undergraduate: Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
B.S. in Chemistry (with Distinction) 2005

Statement

Coming from a small liberal arts college that focuses on math and science I knew that I wanted to continue on in a Ph.D. program that would not only challenge me but would also develop my skills as a research scientist and a mentor to others. After visiting, I learned that Cornell would provide both a challenge and the skills that I needed but would do so in a unique way. I felt that the BMCB field offered a highly collaborative environment whose professors support the growth and success of their graduate students through continued interactions and attention in a way that reminded me of my rewarding undergraduate experience.

Research

In the Lis lab we use in vivo techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of transcription. One ubiquitous barrier that the transcriptional machinery (Pol II) must overcome to efficiently transcribe genes is imposed by nucleosomes and higher order chromatin structures. How Pol II is able to overcome this barrier has been a long standing question and is the focus of my research in the Lis lab. To try and answer this question I use high-resolution micrococcal nuclease mapping and chromatin immunoprecipitation to track the position and composition of nucleosomes in vivo. These techniques provide the high spatial and temporal resolution needed to address how nucleosomes are changing as transcription is activated. Additionally, I employ other techniques such as RNAi and chemical inhibition that allow me to interrogate how a specific factor affects chromatin structure in vivo.

Jennifer Fox
Stover Lab
BMCB Field (entered program in Fall 2004)

From: Baltimore, MD
Undergraduate: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, BS (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) in 2004
GRADUATED in May 2009, presently post-doctoral fellow at the NIH

Statement

I chose Cornell because of the interdisciplinary nature of the BMCB program. Not only are students able to minor in another field such as chemistry, genetics, nutrition, biophysics, or microbiology, but they also have the option of joining some of the labs in these departments. By taking advantage of these opportunities, I feel I have developed a broad knowledge base that will allow me to succeed no matter what area of research I find myself in the future.

Research

Cytoplasmic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT) is a key regulator of folate-dependent de novo thymidylate biosynthesis. The expression of cSHMT is controlled through an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) located in the 5’ untranslated region of the cSHMT transcript. Mammalian IRESs are cis-acting regulatory elements that permit 5’-cap-independent translation and provide a mechanism to enhance rates of translation when cap-mediated ribosome scanning is impaired. My research aims to elucidate the mechanism and physiological significance of the IRES-mediated translation of cSHMT in order to allow for a better understanding of the regulation of thymidylate biosynthesis, and to ultimately reveal the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathologies and developmental anomalies associated with disruptions in folate metabolism.

Scott Gabriel Scott Gabriel
Helmann Lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2004)

From: Williamsport, PA
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh B.S. in 1998. Entered BMCB in Fall 2004
GRADUATED August 2009, presently Assistant Professor at Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI

Statement

When I was looking at graduate school programs, I was finishing a five year hiatus from education working as an adventure education facilitator. It was important to me that the program I chose had a broad base of training for its graduate students and supported their development as scientists. In retrospect, I could not have chosen a better place to be. The training I have received here has been from scientists at the top of their respective fields and those same people have been incredibly kind and supportive. Outside the lab walls, I have found Ithaca a great place to live. My wife and I bought a house here and love the nature and culture that is so abundant in Ithaca.

Research

All organisms experience and respond to stress in their environment. The Helmann lab studies stress responses in the model Gram positive organism Bacillus subtilis. My research focuses specifically on zinc limitation and how the Zinc Uptake Regulator (Zur) controls the transcriptional response to this starvation. I have worked to determine the biochemical mechanism of Zur’s sensing intracellular zinc concentration. Additionally, I am interested in elucidating the function of the unknown genes under the transcriptional control of this regulator and how they help the cell regain metal ion homeostasis.

Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
Bretscher Lab
BMCB (entered program fall 2003)

From: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; BS (Industrial Biotechnology) in 2003

Statement

Why Cornell? Simply because of the environment--not only the natural setting of the Finger Lakes area, which is “gorgeous”, but the friendly nature of the departments, professors, staff, and students. Everything combines to make you wake up every day, happy to go to the lab and continue on your experiments. The Graduate School, as well as the BMCB program, really work for the students. Everyone wants you to succeed. Also, the interdisciplinary way in which the grad programs are built not only allows you to make connections outside your field, but makes learning new things and applying them easy. After visiting for a weekend and noticing all of these things, and knowing the kind of research that is done here every day, how could I not come to Cornell?

Research

In most eukaryotes, the several regions of the cell are differentially organized, a phenomenon called polarity. Our lab tries to understand how polarity is established, maintained and regulated. We use two model systems to answer that question: epithelial cells and the budding yeast. My work concentrates on elucidating how the essential myosin motor in yeast, Myo2p, binds secretory vesicles and transports them into the bud. In particular, I am looking at the role that phosphoinositides may have in this process. To tackle this problem, I apply such tools as yeast genetics, biochemistry, and microscopy.

Gary Isaacs
Kraus Lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2002).

From: Delaware
Undergraduate: Liberty University, BS (Premed) in 1999
GRADUATED January 2009, presently Assistant Professor at Liberty University, Lynchburg VA.

Statement

The BMCB field in the Molecular Biology and Genetics Department was the reason I chose to come to Cornell. With past experience as a high school science teacher, I knew I needed a broad foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology in order to meet the challenges of teaching science in the future. Since the program contains professors from various fields of study, I quickly found the area of research that sparked my interest the most. To this day, collaborations and interactions within the MBG Department challenge my way of thinking about science and enable me to be a better teacher in the future.

Research

My research in the Kraus Lab is directed at understanding the mechanism by which AP-1 transcription factors activate transcription. I am particularly interested in how estrogen receptors cause an activation of certain AP-1 driven genes in a ligand-dependent manner. I am attempting to determine the proteins that compose these transcription complexes and determine their role in transcriptional activation.

Alexandra Amaro
Huffaker Lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2002)

From: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame. BS (Biological Sciences) in 2002

Statement

The highly collaborative environment at Cornell was one of the main reasons I decided to join the BMCB program. Many labs work in similar areas, which allows the labs to hold joint journal clubs, discuss problems, and troubleshoot protocols. Its great to have the entire building as a resource whenever you have a question because chances are someone is willing and able to help. Everyone in the department is very supportive and friendly, which makes for a great working environment.

Research

The formation and stability of the mitotic spindle during the cell cycle is critical for proper segregation of chromosomes. The bipolar spindle is composed of microtubules and associated proteins. Using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, I am interested in understanding the role of the essential microtubule-associated protein Stu1 in assembly and maintenance of the mitotic spindle. Stu1 is a member of a family of proteins conserved from yeast to humans that localizes to the spindle and binds microtubules. Loss of Stu1 results in a compromised collapsed spindle. I am currently investigating if Stu1 maintains spindle integrity by modulating microtubule dynamics.

Sara Zimmer
Stern Lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2001)

From: St. Cloud, MN
Undergraduate: Michigan Technological University; Dual BS (Biological Sciences and Chemical Engineering)
GRADUATED June 2008, presently post doctoral fellow at SUNY Buffalo.

Statement

I spent several years focused on a ski racing career before returning to research full time. The faculty at Cornell seemed to welcome the diversity of my experience when I applied and interviewed, and I appreciated the fact that they were utilizing ideas and technologies from various disciplines in their own work. Furthermore, I really feel the program supports me as I strive to become a better scientist while simultaneously becoming a first-time mother.

Research

Current research indicates that regulation of gene expression goes far beyond transcriptional control, including post-transcriptional alterations of RNA. The focus in the Stern lab is chloroplast gene expression, where relative levels of mRNAs are primarily regulated at post-trancriptional steps. I have identified several genes that are likely to participate in these steps, by modifying or cleaving RNA. I am silencing them in the versatile alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, as well as overexpressing one of them and performing biochemical assays. My thesis work is centered on determining what role these proteins have in both the processing and turnover of chloroplast RNAs. I am especially interested in understanding how polyadenylation promotes degradation of mRNAs and how my candidate genes affect this step in the degradation pathway.

Kristin Burns
Begley Lab
BMCB Field (entered program fall 2001).
GRADUATED August 2006, presently a postdoctoral fellow at the NIH.

From: Pennsylvania
Undergraduate: Franklin and Marshall College, BA (Chemistry) in 2001

Statement

The introductory eight-week lab course is one reason why I chose the BMCB Graduate Program. The Field System brings together labs from Chemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology, etc., so it was beneficial for us to get an introduction to a variety of techniques to prepare us for our rotations and future lab work. The Graduate Program also provides students with terrific training -- student seminars, Friday seminars and progress reports are just a few examples of this training.

Research

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP, vitamin B6) is an essential cofactor in all living systems. It plays an important role in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism and has recently been implicated in singlet oxygen resistance. The biosynthesis of PLP in Escherichia coli has been well studied. This pathway, however, is restricted to a relatively small number of bacteria. Most bacteria, archaebacteria, fungi, and plants contain the highly conserved SNZ and SNO family of genes which have been implicated in PLP biosynthesis. My project involves the identification of the substrates for the SNZ and SNO family of proteins in Bacillus subtilis, reconstituting the biosynthesis, and analyzing the reaction mechanism.

I am interested in studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in my post-doc, with the hope of uncovering interesting biosynthetic pathways and chemistry.