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Jennifer F. Garcia, Ph.D.
She/Her/Hers
Assistant Professor
School of Biological Sciences
Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences
Location
Morgane 107 / Pharmacy 312
Biddeford Campus
Portland Campus for the Health Sciences
Eligible for Student Opportunities
Credentials
Education
Ph.D. in Genetics
University of California, San Francisco
B.S. in Biochemistry/Chemistry
University of California, San Diego
Expertise
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Genomics
- Molecular biology
Research
Current research
Dr. Jennifer Garcia’s lab studies a family of enzymes called RNase T2 proteins, which help cells break down and recycle RNA. Using yeast as a model organism, our research investigates how RNase T2 enzymes help cells adapt to challenges such as nutrient depletion. In future work, we will explore how this role in cellular metabolism is conserved across different fungi and how RNase T2 activity connects to human health, given its links to immune function, tumor suppression, and neurological disorders.
Funded grants
Boettcher Investigator (May 2020 - May 2024)
Maine IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Pilot Project Award (April 2023 - May 2025)