News
RNA and Cancer Scientist Eric Wagner Receives Lifetime Honor
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Eric J. Wagner, PhD, professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. Wagner was selected for his contributions to the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry, particularly his research uncovering how human cells regulate the production of RNA from genes and how disruptions in this process lead to cancer and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor within the scientific community. Wagner, co-director of the University of Rochester Center for RNA Biology, is one of 471 scientists, engineers, and innovators who were selected for the 2024 Fellow class for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers.
“Eric is a card-carrying RNA biologist and powerhouse of technological developments whose work is increasing our understanding of the causes of neuroblastoma and other devastating brain disorders in children,” said Lynne E. Maquat, PhD, founding director of the University of Rochester Center for RNA Biology and the J. Lowell Orbison Endowed Chair and Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “We’re extremely fortunate that we were able to recruit Eric back to Rochester as a co-director of both our RNA Center and our newly acquired NYS Center of Excellence in RNA Research and Therapeutics. I couldn’t ask for a more competent and engaged colleague to help further grow our strength in RNA research.”
Read More: RNA and Cancer Scientist Eric Wagner Receives Lifetime Honor
Mitchell O’Connell appointed as Dean’s Associate Professor
Friday, February 7, 2025
Mitchell O’Connell, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics, has been jointly appointed as Dean’s Associate Professor.
O’Connell’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas13 antiviral immunity and RNA-mediated gene regulation to inform the development of RNA detection tools that could improve clinical diagnostics.
Read more about O’Connell’s recent research.
The Dean’s Professorship recognizes a faculty member’s outstanding research accomplishments.