Faculty in the News

Molecular Biology and Evolution, Volume 42, Issue 12, December 2025

Abstract

Genome size varies widely, even among closely related species, yet much less is known about chromosome size variation. Here we use the fourth chromosome of Drosophila, also known as the “Muller F element” or “dot chromosome”, as a model to investigate chromosome-specific size expansion. The F element of most Drosophila species is small (∼1.3 Mb) and almost entirely heterochromatic, yet harbors approximately 80...

by Laura Kiniry, Popular Science

Published Dec 23, 2025 9:01 AM EST

The popular nursery rhyme This Little Piggy is an early childhood memory for many of us. It’s a poem that involves five little piggies, each corresponding to one of our fingers or toes. Kids love it, but if you pause to think, this simple rhyme raises a curious question: Why do humans have five digits on each of our four limbs in the first place? 

The simple answer is it’s just how we evolved, but determining where these...

Rutgers Lifetime Contribution Award (Faculty): 

Celebrates the extraordinary achievements of a faculty member who has devoted over two decades of their professional journey to enriching the academic landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the university. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals whose tireless commitment has shaped the essence of our institution. Their impact transcends generations, shaping the intellectual landscape and nurturing the next wave of visionary leaders.

Jay...

Professor’s Research Opens Up New Possibilities for Treating a Painful Gastrointestinal Disease

Written by John Chadwick | School of Arts and Sciences

A Rutgers scientist whose research is opening up new possibilities for treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has received the 2025 Grossman Innovation Prize from the School of Arts and Sciences.

The prize, which provides financial support to faculty members pursuing research with commercial potential, will help fund the work of Michael...

2024–2025 Faculty Year-End Excellence Award Recipients The Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Research

The award honors tenured faculty members who have made distinguished research contributions to their discipline and/or society at large.

Karen Schindler, Professor, Department of Genetics, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Fresh insights into the molecular process of sperm production may hold clues for better understanding of the condition, Rutgers researchers find

A genetic mutation in mice affects cells required for sexual reproduction and holds clues about male infertility that could pave the way for new treatments and male contraceptives, a Rutgers University–New Brunswick researcher and colleagues have discovered.

Writing in Nature Communications, Devanshi Jain, an assistant professor with the Department...

Written by John Chadwick | School of Arts and Sciences

Saliva samples from general population could ‘crack the code’

People across the U.S. can now contribute to critical cancer research without leaving the comfort of their own home.

Rutgers University professors have launched a major study into the underlying genetics of breast cancer that makes it easy for any U.S. resident over the age of 18 to participate. All that’s needed is to fill out a brief online questionnaire and mail in a sample of...

Dr. Samhita Yadavalli received the "FIGS Faculty Mentor of the Year” award presented at the FIGS (First-year Interest Group Seminars) 25th Anniversary dinner.   The FIGS course that Dr. Yadavalli mentored was “Exploring Health and Medicine” which was taught by senior Genetics major, Fawaaz Masood.   Fawaaz is currently a research assistant in Dr. Gleb Shumyatsky's Lab, a DLS Student Ambassador and the President of Rutgers Habitat for Humanity.  

Two of the first-year FIG students who took the course...

Scientists from several SAS departments have created a new genetic model in mice that can be used to study psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The research, which involves identifying a molecule that regulates dopamine, was recently published in the journal, Molecular Psychiatry. "PTSD is a debilitating illness that's extremely difficult to treat because we still do not fully understand the mechanisms behind it,"...

Advances understanding of genetics causing egg abnormalities in humans 
by Kitta MacPherson

In what could be a major advance in understanding the genetic causes underlying human infertility, scientists led by researchers from Rutgers University-New Brunswick have identified a gene variant directly tied to early miscarriages in women.

The discovery of the variant is linked to accelerated reproductive aging, a condition producing high numbers of abnormal eggs that can lead to miscarriages. The...

Researchers will look at the potential health hazards of ingested plastic particles on the intestine and other organs and tissues.

Rutgers received a $3.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of micronanoplastics on the digestive system.

The byproduct of environmental and industrial processes, micro- and nano-scale plastic particles and fibers increasingly contaminate the environment. These plastics — now found in our food, air and water — are a potential health...

Two Rutgers Genetics Professors Named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 

To view the article of the five Rutgers Professors to receive this honor, please click here. Dr. Maureen Barr and Dr. Christopher Rongo, two Department of Genetics faculty will be highlighted below.

Maureen Barr 

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Distinguished Professor of Genetics, School of Arts and Sciences

For leadership in several aspects of ciliary signaling, including how cilia give...

Congratulations to Kim McKim who was awarded the School of Graduate Studies Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award! For many years Kim has made substantial contributions to graduate education for the Molecular Biosciences graduate program, and it is nice to see his efforts recognized.

  Please click here to read the Faculty Spotlight article about Dr. Christina Bergey.

 

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Verzi!

Michael Verzi Appointed to the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Endowed Chair in Cancer Genomics Rutgers Today article can be found here.

 

 

Congratulations to Gary Heiman!

 Professor Heiman is the recipient of the Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching for the academic year 2022-2023. Rutgers Today article can be found here.

4/21/23- A publication by Gary Heiman and others was awarded the Best Clinical Research Paper of the year in Epilepsia (2022), the premiere scientific journal for all aspects of epilepsy and seizures. This award was voted on by the Editor and Associate Editors of Epilepsia as well as Leadership of International League Against Epilepsy. See Rutgers Today Press Release about the findings.