About the Authors

Current Contributors

Headshot of Dr. Jon Lorsch.
As NIGMS director, Jon oversees the Institute’s research, training, and other programs. He’s committed to engaging the scientific community on a wide range of topics, including funding policies and trends, research evaluation, and workforce development and diversity.
Headshot of Dr. Alexandra Ainsztein.
A cell biologist, Alexandra manages grants in the areas of chromosome and nuclear structures, motor proteins, cytoskeletal filaments, and intracellular transport.
Headshot of Lameese Akacem.
Headshot of Charles Ansong.
Charles is a biochemist who manages grants in the areas of bioenergetics, redox reactions, and trace metal homeostasis. He is a scientific contact for the NIGMS Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) R15 program and is chair of the NIH R15 Program Advisory Committee.
Headshot of Dr. Richard Aragon.
As director of the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics, Richard advises on the Institute’s strategic planning activities, analyzes and evaluates its research and training programs, and serves as its legislative liaison.
Headshot of Dr. Krishan Arora.
Krishan is a biochemist and molecular biologist by training. He manages multicomponent grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program and is also involved in promoting and fostering SBIR/STTR applicants and biomedical entrepreneurship in IDeA states.
Headshot of Susan Athey.
Susan is the team lead for public information and outreach. She manages a number of social media and electronic outreach products, including the Feedback Loop blog.
Headshot of Dr. Oleg Barski.
Oleg is a biochemist who manages grants in the area of enzymology and metabolism. He also manages individual postdoctoral fellowships and career development awards and serves as scientific/research contact for the Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams (RM1) for the Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry.
Headshot of Dr. Jake Basson.
Jake, who trained in biostatistics and cardiovascular genetics, is a statistical policy analyst in the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics. He uses a diverse suite of data science tools to study the Institute’s research portfolios, training programs, and funding policies.
Headshot of Dr. Tony Beck.
Tony is a program director in the Division for Research Capacity Building, where he oversees the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program that supports pre-K to grade 12 diversity pipeline projects and health-related exhibits at science centers and museums. He also manages the SBIR/STTR STEM Interactive Digital Media program.
Headshot of Dr. Dorothy Beckett.
Dorothy, a molecular biophysicist, is director of the NIGMS Division of Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences. She works with the scientific community to advance BBCB’s mission to support research in biophysics, biotechnology, and computational biology.
Headshot of Dr. Michael Bender.
Michael is a geneticist who handles grants in the areas of RNA processing, protein synthesis, mRNA metabolism and translational control, and regulatory RNAs as well as grants for the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. He also oversees the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository.
Headshot of Dr. Federico Bernal.
Fed is the acting chief of the Research Advancements Programs branch in DRCB, and the lead for the COBRE Phase 1 and Phase 2 programs and manages COBRE, IDeA-CTR, and SuRE grants in the Division for Research Capacity Building. His scientific background is in synthetic organic chemistry and chemical biology.
Headshot of Greg Bissonette.
Greg is the chief of the Scientific Review Branch, where he oversees the peer review-related activities for applications assigned to NIGMS.
Headshot of Dr. Sydella Blatch.
As a physiologist and former professor at a primarily undergraduate institution, Sydella administers programs that include diversity-focused institutional training awards, research on interventions, and improving sponsored programs capacity.
Headshot of Dr. Erica Brown.
As director of the Division of Extramural Activities, Erica oversees the peer review and fiscal management of NIGMS grants and advises staff on the planning, development, and administration of Institute grant programs.
Headshot of Jason Chan.
Jason is a scientific review officer in the NIGMS Scientific Review Branch. He reviews a wide range of applications for research capacity building and other grant mechanisms in the areas of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, neuroscience, and physiology.
Headshot of Rachel Crowley.
Rachel is a science writer who enjoys using her medicinal chemistry training to create accessible public health content and engaging science education resources.
Shannon is a health science policy analyst in the Division of Extramural Activities. She facilitates the development and publication of NIGMS funding opportunities; acts as project lead on collaborations to address NIGMS business process needs; and assists in the Institute’s receipt and referral process, including coordinating with other parts of NIH.
Headshot of Sabrina Epou.
Sabrina is a program analyst in the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics. She analyzes data on the Institute’s research programs including those within the diversity-focused institutional training programs.
Headshot of Dr. Miles Fabian.
Miles manages research grants and postdoctoral fellowships in the areas of bioorganic and medicinal chemistry.
Headshot of Dr. Miles Fabian.
Edgardo is the director of the NIGMS Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) Program. He also manages grants in the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (IRACDA, DaTA, among others) and a portfolio on multi-organ physiology in the Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry.
Headshot of Dr. Paula Flicker.
As chief of the Biophysics Branch, Paula oversees research and training programs that apply techniques and principles derived from the physical sciences to examine structures and structure-function relationships in biology. Her training was in structural biology and she was an early adopter of cryo-electron microscopy.
Headshot of Dr. Shawn Gaillard.
Shawn is director of the Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. A molecular biologist, she manages grants in the areas of chromosome and nuclear structures, along with organismal response to environmental stressors.
Headshot of Dr. Alison Gammie.
Alison directs the NIGMS division that supports a variety of research training, career development, and diversity-building activities at the undergraduate through faculty levels.
Headshot of Dr. Hongwei Gao.
Hongwei’s scientific expertise is focused on pathoimmunology. He manages multicomponent grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.
Headshot of Anne Gershenson.
A biophysicist, Anne manages grants in the areas of molecular modeling, theory, and design including macromolecular structure prediction, protein folding, ligand binding, and drug design. She is also a scientific contact for the NIGMS Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) R15 program.
Headshot of Dr. Kenneth Gibbs.
Kenny, an immunologist, oversees the Institute’s cross-disciplinary undergraduate and predoctoral training programs. He also manages the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) K99/R00 and UE5 programs to promote faculty diversity, and research grants in the area of stem cell biology.
Headshot of Kalynda Gonzales Stokes.
Kalynda manages grants in the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (MOSAIC, MARC, IPERT, and training modules), in the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (BUILD), and a portfolio in the areas of endocytosis, lysosomes, and related organelles in the Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
Headshot of Clau Gonzalez.
Clau is responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of NIGMS’ strategic priorities. She focuses in the areas of succession planning, change management, organizational and performance management, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Headshot of Marie Harton.
Marie, who trained in chemistry and biotechnology, is a program director in the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity. She manages grants in the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE), Innovative Programs to Enhance Research Training (IPERT), and predoctoral institutional research training grants in Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Sciences (T32).
Headshot of Dr. Zuzana Justinova.
Zuzana is a pharmacologist by training and manages a portfolio of research and training grants in anesthesiology and perioperative pain. She also previously managed awards supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.
Headshot of mystery profile.
Olga is a biophysicist and molecular physiologist by training. She manages multicomponent grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.
Headshot of Dr. Irina Krasnova.
Irina is a neuroscientist by training. She manages grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program and is also program lead for the Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) program.
Headshot of Dr. Sailaja Koduri.
A biochemist with previous biotech industry experience, Sailaja administers research grants in the areas of receptors, drug targets, and signal transduction; training grants in pharmacological sciences; and serves as a program contact for the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award for early stage investigators.
Headshot of mystery profile.
Formerly a member of the NIGMS grants management team, Mitzi works in NIH’s Office of Human Resources, Corporate Recruitment Unit, where she helps to develop a continuous pipeline of diverse, high-caliber candidates for jobs across NIH.
Headshot of Dr. Donna Krasnewich.
Trained as a pediatrician with a specialty in clinical biochemical genetics, Donna manages research grants dealing with the genetic basis of human biology as well as grants on ethical, legal, and social issues in genetics.
Headshot of mystery man.
Christy is a grants management team leader in the Grants Administration Branch. She manages grant programs supported by the Division for Research Capacity Building.
Headshot of Sally Lee.
Sally leads the division responsible for the full-range of administrative management functions at NIGMS including acquisitions, information technology, financial management, management analysis, human resources, communications, and ethics.
Headshot of Dr. Christina Liu.
Christina, who trained in chemical engineering and medical imaging, is the chief of the Biomedical Technology Branch. She oversees a portfolio of biomedical technology development and dissemination, national and regional resources, and technology development grants.
Headshot of Dr. Rochelle Long.
Rochelle directs the NIGMS division that funds a broad range of research from basic studies in synthetic chemistry, enzymology, biotechnology, chemical biology, and glycosciences to clinical areas that include pharmacology, anesthesia, sepsis, traumatic injury, and wound healing. She is a pharmacologist who has played leading roles in fostering research in pharmacogenomics through national and international collaborations.
Headshot of Jose Lopez.
As chief of the Information Resources Management Branch, Jose leads a team that oversees all areas of the Institute’s information technology needs, including the NIGMS website. His office develops custom mission critical systems, supports the Institute IT infrastructure, and provides the Institute with cutting edge technologies.
Headshot of Baishali Maskeri.
Baishali is a molecular biologist who manages grants in the area of cell death, autophagy, and homeostasis, as well as membrane biology and organelle biogenesis. She also comanages the U-RISE program.
Headshot of Lakshmi Matukumalli.
Lakshmi is trained in bioinformatics and leads data science activities including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He also manages multicomponent grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) and Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) programs.
Headshot of Dr. Michele McGuirl.
Michele is the acting director of the Division for Research Capacity Building (DRCB). Before taking on this role, she was chief of DRCB’s Research Advancement Programs Branch, where she oversaw IDeA Clinical and Translational Research programs and managed grants for the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence.
Headshot of Jeremy McIntyre.
Jeremy is a neurobiologist and program director in the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity. He manages grants for the IMSD, G-RISE, and Bridges to the Doctorate programs along with F31 fellowships.
Headshot of Dr. Andrew Miklos.
Andrew, who trained in biochemistry and biophysics, is a branch chief in the Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics. He oversees analysis and evaluation of NIGMS programs and processes, as well as creation of tools to provide Institute staff with the data needed to make informed decisions.
Headshot of Dr. Nathan Moore.
Nathan, who was trained in high energy physics, is a data scientist in the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics. He uses numerous mathematical and computer science techniques to study the Institute’s research portfolios, training programs, and funding policies.
Headshot of Tony Moore.
As chief of the financial management branch, Tony leads a team that has fiscal oversight for all facets of the Institute’s appropriation. His office develops financial management plans, formulates budgets, and coordinates Congressional budget justifications.
Headshot of Dr. Zhongzhen Nie.
Nie manages grants in the area of ion channels, GAP junctions, structural membrane lipids, integral membrane proteins, and calcium signaling. He also manages predoctoral training grants in the area of systems and integrative biology.
Headshot of Stephanie Older.
As the communications director for NIGMS, Stephanie oversees the Institute’s outreach to the general public, the biomedical research community, and other audiences. Her office communicates the goals and progress of NIGMS-supported research, training programs, and activities.
Headshot of Dr. James Onken.
Jim, who previously worked at NIGMS, directs NIH’s Office of Data Analysis Tools and Systems. In addition to managing the development and maintenance of NIH’s Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools, including RePORTER, he analyzes and presents data on NIH research programs and research personnel for use in program evaluation and policy studies.
Headshot of Dr. Michael
Mike manages research grants on DNA replication, organismal response to the environment, and microbe-host interactions.
Headshot of Christa Reynolds.
Christa works on expanding the Diversity Program Consortium’s outreach through social media, blogs, and other communication approaches.
Headshot of Mercedes Rubio.
Profile headshot.
Michael manages research grants in the biophysical studies of the viral life-cycle and in biophysical studies of nucleic acids and nucleoprotein complexes.
Headshot of Dr. Michael Sesma.
Mike, previously a scientific review administrator and program director at NIGMS, returned to the Institute after a 10-year career at the National Institute of Mental Health. He now oversees our postdoctoral training branch, which includes research training, fellowship, and career development programs.
Headshot of mystery man pic.
Joyce is a developmental biologist and a former professor at a primarily undergraduate institution. She manages undergraduate and predoctoral training and fellowship programs designed to enhance diversity.
Headshot of Dr. Laurie Stepanek.
Laurie is a neuroscientist and former teaching faculty member who administers training and research education programs designed to enhance diversity at the undergraduate and predoctoral levels. She also manages research grants in the area of membrane biology and organelle biogenesis.
Headshot of Dr. Jianhua Xu.
Jianhua, a cell biologist, is chief of the Developmental and Cellular Processes Branch in GMCDB. He manages research grants in cell organization, mechanics, migration, and adhesion.
Headshot of Dr. Mary Ann Wu.
Alvin is a program officer in the Division of Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences. In his position, he oversees NIGMS grants for technology development and biomedical technology development and dissemination. The technology development grants under his management include microscopy and imaging (e.g., probes, reporters, hardware, and methods) and cell investigation and manipulation (e.g., DNA and RNA manipulation).
Headshot of Jean Yuan.
Jean, who trained in computational biology and computer science, is the chief of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Branch. She oversees research and training programs that join computer science, engineering, mathematics, biostatistics, data science, and biophysics with biomedical science.
Headshot of Dr. Xiaoli Zhao.
Formerly a physiologist and professor in academia, Xiaoli is a program director in the Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry. She administers research grant programs in sepsis and septic shock, injury and critical illness, inflammation and innate immunity, as well as institutional postdoctoral training grants in injury and critical care.
Headshot of Dr. Yang Zhou.
Yang is a program director in the Division for Research Capacity Building. She manages multicomponent grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.
Headshot of Dr. Dorit Zuk.
Dorit is the deputy director of NIGMS. In this position, she provides leadership on the full range of NIGMS activities supporting basic research that increases understanding of foundational biological processes and drives advances in human health.


Former Contributors

Rashada Alexander

Before her departure, Rashada, a chemist by training, managed a portfolio spanning basic science to American Indian/Alaska Native-focused health research partnerships to scientific infrastructure and research capacity.

Richard Anderson

Before his retirement in June 2010, Richard administered research grants focused on the mechanisms that control cell growth and differentiation. He also oversaw the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository.

Jim Anderson

Before his retirement in May 2012, Jim had a long-standing interest in systems biology, promoting its approaches to study cell and molecular biology. He also fostered the development of bacterial informatics, including the establishment of an online genomic resource for the E. coli K12 bacterium.

Vernon Anderson

Vernon, a former biochemistry and chemistry professor, managed grant portfolios spanning the areas of bioinorganic chemistry, bioenergetics and mitochondrial physiology, oxidative stress, and enzymology prior to his retirement in October 2020.

Julia Barthold

Before leaving NIGMS in December 2020, Julie was the project coordinator for the Institutional Development Award Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR) program, and managed Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

Ravi Basavappa

Before transferring to the NIH Office of the Director in October 2010, Ravi administered grants in the Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics and was the Institute’s AIDS-related research coordinator. He also was involved in several NIH Common Fund programs, including the NIH Director’s Pioneer and New Innovator Awards and the nanomedicine initiative.

Jeremy Berg

As former NIGMS director, Jeremy oversaw the Institute’s programs to fund biomedical research and to train the next generation of scientists. He was a leader in many NIH-wide activities and also found time to study a variety of molecular recognition processes in his NIH lab.

Rosalina Bray

Before transferring to NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in January 2012, Bray contributed her expertise in program development, strategic planning, and evaluation to the NIGMS Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation.

Paul Brazhnik

Before his retirement in December 2021, Paul oversaw grants in the areas of bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, biostatistics, and biological network modeling. In addition, he directed the Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences.

Anissa Brown

Anissa managed the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) initiative and administered diversity-focused institutional research training grants and individual diversity fellowships before to moving to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in May 2022.

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy, an emergency medicine physician with a clinical research background, directs the NIH Office of Emergency Care Research, which was transferred from NIGMS to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in January 2018.

Patrick H. Brown

A protein chemist and former teacher, Patrick administered diversity-focused institutional research training grants, individual fellowships and administrative supplements before transferring to NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences in December 2022.

Sheila Caldwell

Before leaving for NIH OD in 2023, Sheila managed the Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program, as well as components of the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.

Emily Carlson

Before transferring to the NIH Office of the Director in October 2017, Emily oversaw the Feedback Loop and other efforts to inform and engage different audiences on NIGMS’ goals, activities, and results.

Jean Chin

Before her retirement in March 2017, Jean managed research grants in membrane biochemistry and biophysics, transport and lipid metabolism, and she served as the NIGMS contact for Academic Research Enhancement Awards (R15). Her other activities included supporting the development and maintenance of research resources, such as the Lipidomics Gateway Link to external website and the PSI:Biology Materials Repository Link to external website.

Alison Cole

Before her retirement in December 2019, Alison handled research and training grants in anesthesiology and peri-operative pain as well as predoctoral training grants on molecular medicine.

Stephanie Constant

Before moving to the NIH Office of the Director in April 2023, Stephanie was chief of the NIGMS Scientific Review Branch. She oversaw the peer review of a broad range of research, training, education, and center grant applications assigned to NIGMS.

Bob Coyne

Before his retirement in 2023, Bob managed grants in the areas of chromosome structure and the microbiome, as well as postdoctoral fellowships and the Bridges to the Doctorate training program.

Behrous Davani

Behrous managed Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA), and the Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) programs prior to moving to the National Cancer Institute in April 2022.

James Deatherage

Before his retirement in May 2019, Jim managed grants on cell division, motility, and organization, and on technology development of light microscopy.

Travis Dorsey

Travis, an economist by training, was a program analyst in the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics before leaving for the Small Business Administration in July 2022.

Régine Douthard

Before transferring to the NIH Office of the Director in January 2017, Régine, who trained in family care and environmental and occupational medicine, managed grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program as well as the dual-degree predoctoral F30 fellowship program.

Jilliene Mitchell Drayton

Jilliene wrote about NIGMS diversity programs and also disseminated information about NIGMS-funded research and programs through a number of outreach activities, events, and meetings.

Sarah Dunsmore

Prior to her transfer to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences in September 2020, Sarah managed a variety of grants involving innate immunity, inflammation, and sepsis. She was the primary contact for information about NIGMS-funded sepsis research.

Irene Eckstrand

Before her retirement in December 2014, Irene was our expert on evolutionary biology and managed scientific programs to develop models of disease spread as well as models of scientific workforce dynamics.

Charles G. Edmonds

Before his retirement in August 2017, Charles managed research grants in the development and application of proteomic and structural biology methods and techniques.

Jessica Faupel-Badger

Before transferring to NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences in January 2018, Jessica managed the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA) and the Postdoctoral Research Associate (PRAT) Program, an intramural training program at NIH.

Barbara Gerratana

Before transferring to NIH’s Office of the Director in January 2017, Barbara handled research grants in enzymology and biotechnology, including natural products biosynthesis, as well as institutional predoctoral training grants in biotechnology and NIH Pathway to Independence Awards in pharmacology, physiology, and biological chemistry. Barbara played an active role in the International Cooperative Biodiversity Group program, which is co-funded by NIH.

Joe Gindhart

Before transferring to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in February 2023, Joe managed grants involving cytoskeletal motor proteins, cell motility, intracellular transport, and protein quality control. He also managed the Medical Scientist Training Program.

J. Rafael Gorospé

Before transferring to OD/DPCPSI in February 2020, Raffy, a geneticist by training, has conducted and published research on a number of childhood genetic disorders of brain and skeletal muscle. While at NIGMS, he managed multicomponent grants supported through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.

Susan Gregurick

Before transferring to the NIH’s Office of Data Science Strategy, Susan directed the NIGMS division that supports a range of research and training activities, including in the fields of computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematical and statistical biology, and biomedical technology development.

Judith Greenberg

Before her retirement in October 2020, Judith was the deputy director of NIGMS and the acting director of the Division of Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences. In the past, she also served as the acting director of the Institute and as the director of the former Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology. She led the development of the NIGMS strategic plan issued in 2008 and the development and implementation of the NIGMS strategic plan for training issued in 2011.

Ann Hagan

Until her retirement in early 2019, Ann was director of extramural activities. In this position, she set and coordinated grant funding policies and procedures, and advised staff on the best grants management practices.

Alison Hall

Before leaving NIGMS in July 2017, Alison was deputy director of the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity. She has 30 years of experience in academia, including conducting research, overseeing graduate education at a medical school, serving on and chairing T32 study sections, and directing NIH-funded diversity programs.

Sue Haynes

Before her retirement in August 2017, Sue specialized in reproductive biology and embryonic development, including the basic biology of embryonic and adult stem cells. She started her career studying the fruit fly’s genetic control of early embryonic and reproductive development.

Lisa Hechtman

Lisa, who was trained in psychology and neuroscience, worked as a program analyst in the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics before moving to the Small Business Administration in June 2020. She used data analysis techniques and behavioral science knowledge to examine NIGMS’ training, research, and funding efforts.

Tanya Hoodbhoy

A developmental and reproductive biologist, Tanya managed developmental genetics research grants before moving to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in February 2022.

Daniel Janes

Prior to moving to NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health in November 2021, Dan managed the NIGMS portfolio on population genetics and evolution as well as K99 postdoctoral awards and the MIDAS modeling network.

Warren Jones

Before his retirement in May 2012, Warren handled research grants in enzymology, particularly those concerned with the chemical and structural basis of catalysis, and he had a long-standing interest in metabolic engineering. He also managed post-award aspects of the NIH Director’s Pioneer Awards program and served as the NIGMS liaison for legislative affairs.

Story Landis

Before her retirement in September 2014, Story directed the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and co-chaired the search committee for a new NIGMS director.

Bob Lees

Before his retirement in December 2019, Bob, who is trained in synthetic and bioorganic chemistry, managed research grants in organic chemistry. Prior to joining the Institute, he served as a scientific review officer in the NIH Center for Scientific Review and as a program director at the National Cancer Institute.

Cathy Lewis

Until her retirement in January 2017, Cathy directed the NIGMS division that supports basic research and training in cell biology and biophysics. She played an active role in developing new NIH initiatives in single molecule biophysics and live cell imaging.

Peter Lyster

Before his retirement in 2022, Peter managed grants in biological modeling and bioinformatics, and he played an active role in the NIH Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative.

Stefan Maas

Before moving to the National Cancer Institute in November 2020, Stefan managed research grants in the areas of cell growth, differentiation, homeostasis, and cell death. He also oversaw small business grants in genetics and developmental biology and institutional training grants in systems and integrative biology.

Alisa Zapp Machalek

Originally trained in biochemistry, Alisa wrote about the full range of NIGMS-supported research before transferring to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in April 2020. She managed the NIGMS image and video gallery, and helped foster science education at NIH.

Stephen Marcus

Before transferring to the Department of Veterans Affairs in May 2018, Stephen managed scientific programs in basic behavioral and social science research and in modeling social behavior at multiple scales.

Pamela A. Marino

Before her retirement in December 2019, Pamela handled grant portfolios in glycobiology and molecular immunology, served as a project team leader for the NIH Common Fund Glycoscience Program, and was a steering committee member for the NIH Alliance of Glycobiologists for Cancer Research. She chaired the NIH Intramural Glycobiology Scientific Interest Group Steering Committee and the glycobiology interagency working group.

Richard Nakamura

Before his retirement in April 2018, Richard was director of the NIH Center for Scientific Review, which oversees the receipt and referral of about 80,000 NIH grant applications a year.

Emerald Nguyen

Emerald was a data scientist in the NIGMS Division of Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics before moving to the National Institute on Aging in December 2021.

Chris Palmer

Before leaving NIGMS in August 2018, Chris communicated about funded research through blog posts and videos.

Brian Pike

Brian was a scientific review officer in the NIGMS Scientific Review Branch. He oversaw the review of a broad range of basic and clinical research applications, research education and training programs, and various NIGMS special initiatives.

Clifton Poodry

Until his retirement in January 2014, Clif oversaw the NIGMS Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD).

Matt Portnoy

Before transferring to the NIH Office of the Director, Office of Extramural Research, in February 2011, Matt was responsible for grants related to DNA repair and recombination and also coordinated SBIR and STTR small business grants for NIGMS.

Peter Preusch

Until his retirement in December 2020, Peter handled grants on the biophysics of nucleic acids and nucleoprotein complexes and on the biophysics of membranes and membrane proteins. He also managed other programs in the BBCB division and served as the point of contact for the NIGMS Collaborative Program Award for Multidisciplinary Teams (RM1) and NIGMS National and Regional Resources (R24).

Veerasamy “Ravi” Ravichandran

Ravi managed research, resource, and training grants related to bioinformatics and computational biology and coordinated trans-NIH activities related to big data prior to moving to NIH’s National Library of Medicine in August 2022.

Karin Remington

Until May 2012, Karin directed the Division of Biomedical Technology, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. She also chaired the trans-NIH Biomedical Informatics Science and Technology Initiative and represented NIH in interagency coordination efforts in Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Link to external web site.

Haluk Resat

Haluk handled research and training grants in the areas of computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, mathematical biology, big data, and biomedical technology research resources. He also directed the Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences Link to external web site before leaving NIGMS for a position with the NIH Common Fund.

Alberto Rivera-Rentas

Before transferring to NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health in February 2012, Alberto managed research training programs that increase the participation of underrepresented students in biomedical research. He represented NIGMS on the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research.

Sally Rockey

Until September 2015, Sally was NIH’s deputy director for extramural research. She oversaw the development and implementation of NIH research funding policies, which she discussed on her blog Rock Talk.

Mike Rogers

Until his retirement in May 2015, Mike was a division director with his hands in several research and training pots: chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology, anesthesiology, and the physiological response to trauma and burns. He also had a major interest in fostering both drug discovery and development and cooperation between NIH and industry.

Desirée Salazar

Before moving to NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in November 2021, Desirée directed the Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) program. She also managed the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA); the Supplement Program for Continuity of Research During Critical Life Events​; predoctoral research training grants in Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Sciences (T32); and research grants in the area of stem cell biology and regeneration.

Before moving to the Department of Energy in May 2021, Paul managed grants in technology development and collaborative science. His interest in interdisciplinary research was developed through his academic background in physics, cell biology, and pharmacology, and work in the biotech industry.

John Schwab

Before his retirement in May 2011, John handled grants in synthetic organic chemistry, natural products chemistry, and high-throughput chemistry. He was heavily involved in chemical methodologies and library development, including a related NIH Roadmap initiative.

Paul Sheehy

Before transferring to NIH’s National Eye Institute in May 2016, Paul worked on various aspects of grants policy. One of his major interests was in IT systems for grant application and administration, including Grants.gov and the eRA Commons.

Douglas Sheeley

Before transferring to NIH’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in October 2017, Doug co-lead the Biomedical Technology Research Resources program and served as the program director for the Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study. He also was the project team leader for the NIH Common Fund Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways program.

Shiva Singh

Before leaving NIGMS in January of 2022, Shiva, a microbiologist with extensive experience in scientific administration, managed predoctoral T32 training programs, predoctoral F30 and F31 fellowships, as well as a broad array of other undergraduate and graduate student training and development programs.

Darren Sledjeski

Before leaving NIGMS in March 2023, Darren was deputy director of the Division of Extramural Activities. He assisted the director in overseeing the grant-related activities of the Institute, including grants policies and procedures; the development of funding opportunities; and the receipt, referral, review, and fiscal management of grants. Additionally, he advised senior staff on the planning, development, and administration of Institute grant activities.

Ward Smith

Ward, a structural biologist, managed grants in biophysics. He directed the Protein Structure Initiative and guided the scientific course of several protein databases as well as biomedical research at NIH-supported synchrotron facilities.

Scott Somers

Before his retirement in December 2019, Scott managed grants that examine the body’s responses to burns, traumatic injuries, and surgery at all levels—from molecular and cellular changes to the body-wide reactions seen in critically ill patients.

Helen Sunshine

Until her retirement in April 2016, Helen oversaw the review of a broad range of research, research training, research education, and center grant applications assigned to NIGMS. She also sat on the NIH committee that develops, implements, and evaluates review policies and procedures for all types of grant applications.

Amy Swain

Before leaving NIGMS in January 2016, Amy oversaw a portfolio of biomedical technology programs. With a background in crystallography, she specifically managed technology grants for structural biology and for informatics, and she was a key contact for NIH synchrotron activities.

Fred Taylor

Until his retirement in July 2018, Fred oversaw the NIGMS division that manages a variety of research, research training, faculty development, and research infrastructure improvement grants, including the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.

Laurie Tompkins

Before her retirement in December 2012, Laurie was our expert on the genetics and genomics of behavior and circadian clocks in a wide variety of model organisms. She also managed grants on transcription mechanisms.

Nancy Vess

As former chief of the financial management branch, Nancy oversaw the NIGMS budget and led a team responsible for developing the Institute’s fiscal management plans, preparing Congressional budget justifications, and coordinating the support of all NIGMS research and training grants.

Jennifer Villani

Before transferring to the NIH Office of Disease Prevention in April 2014, Jen contributed her expertise in program planning, management, and evaluation to scientific programs in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Sarah Wallen

Sarah, the 2015 summer intern in the NIGMS Office of Program Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation, is a math major at James Madison University who collected data for a variety of projects.

Fei Wang

Fei managed the Biophysics Branch in the Division of Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences and oversaw grants in the biophysics of membranes and membrane proteins before moving to the National Institute on Aging in March 2023.

Janna Wehrle

Before her retirement in December 2018, Janna managed both experimental and computational projects studying how proteins fold, survive stress, form complex cellular machines, and are removed from cells—and what happens when these processes go awry.

Peggy Weidman

Before her retirement in April 2017, Peggy organized the scientific review of grant applications for programs that seek to increase the diversity of the biomedical research workforce.

Kristine Willis

Before transferring to the National Cancer Institute in August 2019, Kris oversaw grants in the areas of mutagenesis and the repair of DNA damage. She was also involved in several NIGMS initiatives to promote rigor and reproducibility in biomedical research.

Mary Ann Wu

Mary Ann administered structural biology grants in support of research resources and biomedical technology development until leaving NIGMS for the NIH Office of the Director in November 2023.

Marion Zatz

Before her retirement in January 2015, Marion managed grants involving research on cell cycle control, programmed cell death, and stem cells as well as predoctoral training grants in cellular, molecular, and biochemical sciences and molecular medicine. She also administered NIGMS’ Diversity and Career Re-entry Supplements program.

Hinda Zlotnik

Before her retirement in December 2018, Hinda led efforts to increase the participation of underrepresented students and faculty in biomedical research.