Faculty
Professor of Medical Laboratory Science • Chair of the Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences
Dendritic cell biology, immune cell metabolism, cell signaling networks.
Eyal.Amiel@med.uvm.eduAssociate Professor
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Based Chaperones and Protein Disulfide Isomerases in Lung Diseases
Vikas.Anathy@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-0395
Associate Professor
Mastitis epidemiology, veterinary infectious disease epidemiology, zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, global animal and public health, One Health.
john.barlow@uvm.edu (802) 656-1395Professor
Gynecologic Infectious Disease
Gynecology
Obstetrics
Sexually Transmittable Infections in Women
Vulvar Pain Syndromes
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering
Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling, Microbiome, Machine Learning.
David.Bernstein@uvm.edu
Professor • Department of Medicine
Host immune response to viral infection, The basis of persistent viral infection in reservoir hosts, Host-pathogen, interactions, The development of novel therapeutic agents and vaccines
jason.botten@uvm.edu (802) 656-9797Professor
Immunobiology of innate-like T cells, developmental programming of innate-like gamma delta T cells, high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell RNAseq, genetically-engineered mouse models
jonathan.boyson@uvm.eduAssistant Professor
Sequencing studies in patient cohorts has established a relationship between the gut microbiome and various diseases in local and nonadjacent tissues. However, a lack of mechanistic understanding of these relationships limits therapeutic opportunities. The mMicrobiome Lab seeks to apply organ-on-chip technology alongside traditional 2D and 3D in vitro models to interrogate the pathways underpinning correlations between the gut microbiome and disease progression or response to therapy. Current targets of research include the effect estrogen metabolism by gut bacteria has on breast cancer progression, and analyzing components of high fiber diets which result in improved immunotherapy response rates.
danielle.brasino@med.uvm.edu
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering
Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, Biomaterials
mbrasino@uvm.edu
Assistant Professor • Determinants of Viral Infectivity and Viral-Host Interaction
- SARS-CoV-2
- Nucleocapsid function
- Variant infectivity
- Influenza
- Viral assembly & trafficking
- Rab11 vesicular transport
- Particle morphology
Assistant Professor
Even in the age of COVID-19, heart failure remains the leading cause of death in developed countries. While drugs can alleviate symptoms, there is no proven therapy to repair failing hearts. Complicating the situation, heart failure is highly diverse as patients exhibit varying degrees of mechanical, metabolic, and electrical dysfunction. However, most patients present with impaired left-ventricular filling, i.e. diastolic dysfunction, a thus-far therapeutically intractable symptom arising from increased ventricular stiffness.
In heart failure, ventricular stiffening is a runaway train where external stress throttles multiscale remodeling of myofilaments, the myocyte cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix (ECM) that collectively impair cardiac function. External stress is sensed by the myocardium which responds by remodeling its ECM, the ECM in turn signals cardiomyocytes to alter their contractile performance and remodel their cytoskeleton. Yet in patients with heart failure, removing stress seldom reverses pathological remodeling. This is because signaling between pathologically remodeled cardiomyocytes and ECM continue to reinforce each other’s disease state. Much remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms of this cross-talk which makes it difficult to target therapeutically.
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that stiffen the heart, relating these changes to organ level physiology and developing therapies that reverse cardiac stiffening in heart disease.
Matthew.Caporizzo@uvm.edu
Associate Director, Shared Resources • Professor, Pharmacology
frances.carr@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-1318Professor
Most pathogenic microbes, from viruses to bacteria to protozoan parasites, undergo a lifecycle inside cells of their host, exploiting cellular functions to their advantage and ultimately causing infectious diseases. The Celli lab is focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms used by intracellular vacuolar bacteria to exploit cellular functions and generate niches of survival and proliferation. We use Brucella abortus as a model vacuolar pathogen, as it modulates various intracellular pathways and functions, such as endocytic and exocytic transport, secretory functions and autophagy, to build a niche of replication and proliferate in the host. Using a multidisciplinary combination of genetic, cell biology and biochemistry approaches, we currently focus on characterizing the mode of action and role of various “effector” proteins the bacterium delivers into host cells during infection that remodel specific cellular functions involved in bacterial vacuole biogenesis, intracellular growth and egress from infected cells.
jean.celli@med.uvm.eduAssistant Professor
Our research focuses on how mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic function dictate cell processes including cell migration and tumor cell metastasis. We utilize advanced microscopy approaches to visualize mitochondrial dynamics coupled with cellular biosensors and biochemical approaches to characterize metabolic features of distinct mitochondrial populations.
Additionally, we are developing novel therapies for the treatment of aggressive cancers such as malignant mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. We utilize cell and animal models to characterize metabolic features of tumor cells that provide susceptibility to compounds targeting mitochondrial function.
Paula Deming, Ph.D., MT (ASCP)
Professor of Biomedical and Health Sciences • Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research
Cell signaling, growth control pathways, molecular pathology, cancer biology
Paula.Deming@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-2506
Associate Professor • Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Molecular biology techniques, Immunological assays (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo)
sean.diehl@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-9860Professor
Modifications to DNA, as part of normal cellular processes or as aberrations, can have profound biological consequences. The major thrust of my research program is to study these nucleic acid modifications in the context of enzymes and proteins that either generate or recognize them.
DNA polymerases, which faithfully replicate DNA, stumble when they encounter oxidized DNA lesions. These enzymes will either stall at the site of lesion or bypass it, initiating translesion synthesis. Uncovering the fundamental mechanisms underpinning lesion bypass is paramount to understand the initial events of mutagenesis. Our work focuses of human DNA polymerases, including polymerases beta and theta, which function in base excision repair and double strand break repair, respectively. Funded by NCI R01 CA52040 and CA080830.
Several DNA repair processes are in place to minimize damage in DNA. One of these processes is called base excision repair (BER). The first step in BER is carried out by DNA glycosylases, enzymes that locate and excise damaged base lesions. Our goal is to delineate the structural features of human DNA glycosylases that are involved in the recognition of DNA base damage induced by ionizing radiation. Our focus is on glycosylases that repair oxidized bases: the Nei-like enzymes (NEIL1-3), and NTHL1 glycosylase. This work is part of a program project grant funded by NCI (P01 CA098993). Additional funding from the Trunk Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.
Assistant Professor
Our research is focused on understanding how stress, obesity and aging affect neuroendocrine regulation of blood pressure with an aim to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
berdos@uvm.edu (802) 656-0988
Assistant Professor • Gund Affiliate
Food microbiology; Food Safety; Salmonella stress tolerance; Listeria persistence; Biosecurity of backyard poultry
Andrea.Etter@uvm.edu (802) 656-0541
Dr. Ronald W. Pero International Research Green and Gold Professor • Professor, Medical Laboratory Science
Regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetics, transcriptomics of vertebrate development and evolution, metagenomics and molecular diagnostics
Seth.Frietze@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-0569Associate Professor
Structure and function of epigenetic reader domains
karen.glass@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-5760Assistant Professor
Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Bone biology, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells, Bone and cancer interactions
jonathan.a.gordon@uvm.edu (802) 656-4885
Assistant Professor
Dr. Osama Harraz's research is focused on signal transduction of ion channels in the vasculature. He is particularly interested in the cerebral circulation in both physiological and pathological conditions.
He has developed unique approaches to monitor ion channel activity in the smallest blood vessels in the brain. He employs several approaches in his research including, but not limited to, electrophysiology, genetically-engineered mouse models, and imaging. He has a particular interest in different forms of signaling in the vasculature and how signaling is altered in diseases such as small vessel disease, neurodegenerative disease and hypertension.
Associate Professor
Pediatric Leukemias: epigenetics, mechanisms of leukemogenesis, and novel treatment development
jessica.l.heath@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-5008
Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Chemistry – Bioorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Enzymes, Selenium
Bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, enzymology, protein function, selenium.
Robert.Hondal@uvm.edu (802) 656-8282
Associate Director of Cancer Research, Training and Education Coordination, UVM Cancer Center • Professor, Pharmacology
alan.howe@uvm.edu (802) 656-9521
Professor • Department of Med-Infectious Disease
Immunobiology, Signal transduction and cell signaling, Microbial pathogenesis, Entamoeba histolytica phagocytosis, Inflammation
Christopher.Huston@uvm.edu (802) 847-0562Professor
Transcriptional regulators of lung responses to injury and inflammation
yvonne.janssen@uvm.edu (802) 656-0995
Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Regenerative biology of pancreatic islets; integrative physiology; diet and neural control of glucose homeostasis; environmental risk for metabolic disease; endocrinology; microscopic anatomy; science communication
Assistant Professor • Tenure Pathway
Vascular Physiology
Capillary networks and have traditionally been viewed as passive sites for gas and nutrient exchange and waste removal. However, considering the vast area of the brain capillaries, which constitute ~90% of all vessels in the entire vascular landscape, the potential of these microvessels to serve sensory and signaling functions comes into sharp focus. Notably, their high density and close proximity to neurons ideally position capillaries to act as sensors of local signals from surrounding neurons and glia. Critically, a wide range of neurological disorders, including ischemic and hemorrhagic small vessel diseases, dementia, migraine, and age-related cognitive decline, exhibit deficits in cerebral blood flow. The enormity of the coverage area of brain capillaries, comprising pericytes and endothelial cells, can be more fully appreciated by direct visualization (see images below).
The brain vasculature can respond to neuronal and glial signals and regulate blood flow through the activation of various receptors and ion channels. However, our understanding of the repertoire of ion channels in pericytes and capillary endothelial cells and the properties governing the propagation and amplification of signals between these cells remains incomplete. This gap in our knowledge obscures our overall understanding of blood flow regulation in the brain and how diseases may affect blood flow and brain health, thus representing a fruitful research area for many years to come.
Associate Professor
Our overarching goal is to improve the care of patients with known or suspected lung cancer who are undergoing advanced bronchoscopic procedures. In addition to my work as a Physician Scientist, I am an Interventional Pulmonologist with MPH training in clinical trial design and biostatistics. Our research program is comprised of a diverse highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research team that leverages biological, quantitative, and clinical sciences to address critical dilemmas within the lung cancer care pathway.
Matt.Kinsey@UVMhealth.org (802) 656-3521
Associate Professor, Medical Laboratory Science
Immunology, microbiology, genetics, microbiome, autoimmune disease, virology
Dimitry.Krementsov@uvm.edu (802) 656-9024
Professor — Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
Synthesis and studies on porous inorganic nanomaterials, heterogeneous catalysis, nanomedicine, and preparation of nano-bioconjugates.
Christopher.Landry@uvm.edu (802) 656-0270
Assistant Professor
With the use of cutting-edge stem cell models and RNA-targeting technologies, Dr. Morelli's laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms governing the origin of neurodegeneration and engineers new therapeutic strategies for a variety of neurodegenerative disorders.
kmorelli@uvm.edu
Director, Neuroscience Graduate Program • Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Anthony.Morielli@uvm.edu (802) 656-4500Shanmugasundaram Nallasamy, DVM, PhD
Assistant Professor
Structure and function of myometrial extracellular matrix in term and preterm birth
Shanmugasundaram.nallasamy@med.uvm.edu
Chair of The Department of Pharmacology • University Distinguished Professor
Research Interests
Dr. Mark Nelson is known for his research on ion channels and calcium signaling in smooth muscle and endothelial cells, particularly for his work on electrical and local calcium signaling in the brain vasculature and urinary bladder. He was born in New York City, New York and grew up in New Jersey. After graduating from Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts with a degree in Mathematics and Biology, he went to Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Neural Science with Professor Mordecai Blaustein in 1980. He did postdoctoral work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and Universität Konstanz, Germany, sponsored by Professor Peter Läuger. Dr. Nelson joined the faculty of the University of Vermont in 1986 and became Chair of the Department of Pharmacology in 1995. He has a part-time Professorship at the University of Manchester and is a Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford. Dr. Nelson is a member of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences, Vermont Academy of Sciences and Engineering, and the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Nelson Chairs the NIDDK Executive Steering Committee for the O'Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers, and is a member of the NIDDK Advisory Council. His work has been recognized by the NIH with nearly thirty years of continuous funding, an NIH Merit Award, and NIH Outstanding Investigator Award, and with funding from Fondation Leducq and the European Union.
He serves on Editorial Boards for Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, eLife, Journal of General Physiology, Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Journal of Smooth Muscle Research and as Co-Editor for the Annual Reviews of Physiology. Dr. Nelson has produced over 260 publications in high quality, peer reviewed journals, and mentored sixty postdocs and research faculty members.
Director of Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences PHD program • Professor of Medicine
Matthew.Poynter@med.uvm.edu (802) 656-8045Associate Professor
Genome dynamics: mechanisms of mutation and chromosome alteration that contribute to human cancer, Roles of APOBEC cytidine deaminases in cancer mutagenesis, DNA damage-induced mutation, UV-induced mutation, Mutagenic DNA double-strand break repair, Genome-wide mapping of DNA lesions
srober23@med.uvm.eduAssistant Professor
Molecular mechanisms of intracellular movement in models of pathogenic fungi and neurological disease
John.Salogiannis@med.uvm.eduAssistant Professor
Clinical: Molecular Pathology; Research: Functional Genomics, Cancer Metabolism, Epigenetics
david.seward@med.uvm.edu
Assistant Professor
- Nutritional physiology
- Liver diseases
- Repurposing food waste as functional foods
Assistant Professor • University of Vermont Cancer Center Member
The Stafford Lab studies how neuropsychiatric diseases arise from the abnormal regulation of gene expression in the brain (e.g., epigenetic mechanisms). His lab unifies the study of how chromatin machinery impacts transcription in the brain with behavioral models of disease. In doing so, he aims to better understand neuropsychiatric diseases from the functional level of a gene/protein to the phenotypic level of a living organism. This work requires a variety of molecular biology techniques, mechanistic biochemistry assays, genome-wide sequencing, neural cell culture systems, as well as genetic and behavioral mouse models. To keep the basic science grounded in human disease, the Stafford Lab collaborates with a host of clinician scientists.
Because the general approaches of the Stafford Lab are broad, so are some of the translational questions. However, the primary disease focus if the lab is on how aberrations in chromatin machinery lead to complex phenotypes in the adult such as alcohol use disorders. A second line of research investigates select neurodevelopmental diseases such as pediatric brain tumors, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities associated with mutations in specific chromatin factors.
Importantly, the Stafford Lab aims to create a dynamic and supportive environment for trainees. The goal of this approach is to combine trusted techniques with innovative approaches that span disciplines thereby allowing us to tackle challenging problems in neuropsychiatric disease. This provides trainees a certain degree of intellectual freedom that dovetails with directed study in their specific project. The intended outcome for the trainee is to build a foundation from which the individual can pursue a career on whatever path they chose whether it be academic, industrial, entrepreneurial or otherwise. Indeed, while Dr. Stafford is primarily an academic scientist, he also has experience in scientific entrepreneurship as the co-founder if a small biotech. He is therefore eager to help parlay scientific training into careers that are both within and outside traditional academic tracks.
Professor and Chairperson, Department of Biochemistry • Professor, Department of Surgery
Cancer biology, Health and healthcare equity
Gary.Stein@uvm.edu (802) 656-6613Professor
Regulation of Gene Expression during the Cell Cycle and during the Proliferation/Differentiation Transition
janet.stein@uvm.edu (802) 656-4876
Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics • University of Vermont Cancer Center Program Leader
Cell Division and Cancer Biology
Jason.Stumpff@uvm.edu (802) 656-7849Professor
Multiscale analyses of HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission
markus.thali@uvm.edu (802) 656-1056
Associate Professor
- Endosomal trafficking
- Control of root and root hair growth
Professor
Translational studies of human skeletal muscle structure and function
Professor
Redox-based signaling in airway biology and disease
Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Larner College of Medicine
Pulmonary and critical care specialist
Daniel.Weiss@uvm.edu