Joshua L. Andersen

PROFESSOR

The Andersen Lab researches the cellular mechanisms that control cell birth and death. This research has direct impact on the mission to cure various diseases related to cell reproduction and destruction, including cancer and ALS.

Kenneth A. Christiansen

PROFESSOR

The Christensen Research Group utilizes optical spectroscopy, time-lapse microscopy, and other techniques to investigate molecules that regulate angiogenesis in tumor cells and the metabolism of eukaryotic parasites. Their research increases our understanding of various diseases, including cancer and African Sleeping Sickness.

Steven W. Graves

AREA CHAIR

Dr. Graves develops new methods of detecting minute quantities of molecules in human blood and tissue. Many of these molecules act as biomarkers, indicating the possibility of preterm births, Alzheimer's disease, and preeclampsia. His early-detection tests allow doctors to intervene sooner, thus saving lives.

James D. Moody

Dr. Moody studies proteins, protein crystallography, and enzymology. In the course of his research, he has developed a variant of pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme that readily forms diffraction-quality crystals and solved its structure with various ligands bound to the active site.

John C. Price

PROFESSOR

The Price Lab Group, led by Dr. Price, explores mechanisms used by living cells to control the synthesis and degradation of protein. This research has important implications in understanding diseases that produce abnormal cellular deposits of proteins, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and diabetes.

Pam M. Van Ry

PROFESSOR

Dr. Van Ry's research focuses on protein therapies for certain types of muscular dystrophy that affect children. She studies how the protein galectin-1 can be synthesized and used to replace the muscular glue that muscular dystrophy breaks down.

Richard K. Watt

PROFESSOR

Straddling the line between biochemistry and inorganic chemistry, Dr. Watt studies how the tiny amounts of iron we need become out of balance and cause diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His research aims to develop methods of regulating iron levels in the body to maintain the health of the patient.

Barry M. Willardson

ASSOCIATE DEPARTMENT CHAIR

The Willardson Lab works to understand the mechanics and composition of the G-protein heterotrimer. The G-protein heterotrimer regulates almost every aspect of cellular physiology and more than a third of current therapeutic drugs target G-protein-signaling pathways.