The School of Medicine Office for Research is excited to announce the appointment of David Kashatus, PhD, as the Assistant Dean for Research, replacing Mary Peace McRae who we thank for her service. In this role, Dr. Kashatus will support the School of Medicine’s strategic plan for research, working closely with faculty members and the Dean’s office to foster an environment conducive to innovative and impactful research activities.
Dr. Kashatus will assist with research development efforts in strategic domains of interest to the SOM. He will also play a role in assisting SOM faculty with white papers and communication with federal agencies, developing research proposals, partnering with the Office of the Vice President for Research to develop a collaborative infrastructure to enhance research development in the SOM and across Grounds, and providing strategic direction for internal pilot funding.
In 2012, Dr. Kashatus was recruited to UVA and is currently an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology (MIC). The Kashatus Lab investigates how oncogenic signaling pathways impact the dynamic behavior of mitochondria and other metabolic organelles. In addition, the lab investigates how dynamic changes in the structure and function of these organelles impact their function and influence cellular physiology. The Kashatus Lab, along with their collaborators in the UVA School of Medicine, has made fundamental discoveries identifying the importance of oncogene induced changes in mitochondrial structure in the progression of both pancreatic and lung cancer.
Before arriving at UVA, Dr. Kashatus received an A.B. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University in 1997. After three years at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (1997-2000) he went to UNC Chapel Hill (2000-2006) where he got his PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology, working in the lab of Dr. Al Baldwin. From 2006 to 2012 he did a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University with Dr. Chris Counter.
Dr. Kashatus’ appointment with the SOM began on September 3, 2024. Please join us in welcoming him to our team. We look forward to introducing him to you in the coming weeks.
Original Story – Medicine In Motion News