The Rodal Lab  at Brandeis University

Cells self-organize by continuously remodeling internal membrane compartments that move and sort signaling, structural, and metabolic cargo.  Our goal is to understand how specialized cells like neurons deploy membrane-remodeling machinery to build and regulate these highly dynamic membrane structures. Using the fruit fly Drosophila as a primary model, we combine in vivo imaging of membrane traffic, mechanistic biochemistry, phenotypic analysis of mutants lacking this machinery, and evidence from disease models to approach these cell biological questions from multiple angles.

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Rodal lab values statement:

• We believe that kindness and inclusiveness come first in the laboratory, institution, classroom, and scientific community. Every person deserves to be cherished, respected, protected, and heard.

• We believe that open science and sharing our results and ideas, within and outside the lab, is the best way to maximize progress and ensure rigor.

• We believe in pluralism: Creativity and motivation to solve hard problems come from working together using our diverse life and scientific experiences.

• We believe that the ends cannot be used to justify the means. How we conduct ourselves determines the goodness of the world we live in, and is more important than our achievements.

• We believe that we must all hold the door open behind us, and build a longer dinner table instead of a higher fence.