Current research
Our research is highly diverse and includes topics ranging from embryogenesis, cell reprogramming and organogenesis to aging and stem cell engineering.
Our ongoing and future work will focus on new and emerging areas of developmental biology, such as epigenetics and genomics.
Model systems
We house one of the largest zebrafish facilities in the world. Along with zebrafish (D. rerio), we study several other model systems, including the fruit fly (D. melanogaster), nematode (C. elegans) and mouse (M. musculus), as well as tissue culture systems and embryonic stem cells.
Upcoming events
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11 Mar
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16 Mar
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18 Mar
Latest news
Liz Pollina, PhD, has received a new Hope Center Pilot Project Award
Congratulations to Dr. Liz Pollina! Elizabeth Pollina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology, and Sarah Ackerman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology & Immunology, have received a one-year grant award from The Hope Center starting March 1, 2026, for their project entitled “Activity-Dependent Genome Control Mechanisms in Astrocyte Longevity.”
Contratulations to Dr. Dave Ornitz!
Dave Ornitz, MD, PhD, Alumni Endowed Professor in Developmental Biology, has received the Henry Gray Scientific Achievement Award from the American Association for Anatomy. This is their highest scientific honor that recognizes “unique and meritorious contributions to and achievements in anatomical sciences by a distinguished AAA member.”
Congratulations to Dr. Mayssa Mokalled!
Mayssa Mokalled, PhD, Associate Professor of Developmental Biology, has been named as a recipient of a 2026 Dean’s Impact Award! The 2026 Dean’s Impact Awards recognize faculty who demonstrate focused excellence through sustained commitment to their professional calling.