Community Spotlight

Sarah Spinette

Title: Assistant Biology Professor

Born where: Vermont

Years at RIC: New to RIC

Previous institutions: John Hopkins University

Academic field/s of interest: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology

Most recent research/sponsored program work: The role of Ufd2 in cell cycle regulation and the role of alternative splicing of Ufd2 in tissue differentiation.

Research interests: The focus of my current research is to examine what role a particular protein named Ufd2 might play in the process by which precursor, or stem cells, differentiate into mature skeletal and cardiac muscle cells and neurons. This process takes place both during development and tissue injury and can be replicated in the lab using cell culture and animal models.

External funding obtained: INBRE (NIH)

External collaborative efforts: Dr. Creton at Brown University

Outside interests: Hiking, Biking, the great outdoors! And the Arts