We study how cells adapt at the molecular level, focusing on the process of translation of cellular genetic information into protein molecules. Our analyses extend from the near-instantaneous cellular responses to environmental stress to the multi-million-year evolutionary divergence of species.

Our research concentrates on massive assembly of proteins and RNA in response to changes in the cellular environment. We exploit our biological discoveries by engineering self-assembling molecules to do useful work.

Our major paper on stress-triggered RNA condensation is out at Molecular Cell! Congratulations to co-first authors Hendrik, Jared, and Caitlin!

Posted 24 Nov 2025 by Allan

Caitlin (PhD, then short postdoc) has started her faculty position at North Park as an assistant professor. Congratulations Prof. Wong Hickernell!

Posted 01 Sep 2025 by Allan

A lovely new article describes our recent study on the evolutionary conservation of biomolecular condensation responses during heat shock.

Posted 31 Jul 2024 by Allan

Caitlin successfully defended her thesis! Congratulations, Dr. Wong Hickernell, for your discoveries in RNA condensation!

Posted 10 May 2024 by Allan