Dr. Alicia Darnell

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Alicia Darnell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University. Her research focuses on the critical integration of protein synthesis with cellular metabolism and growth, emphasizing gene expression. The Darnell lab, set to open in September 2024, investigates the relationship between amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis in cancer cells. The lab aims to understand how amino acid limitations lead to codon-specific ribosome stalling and premature fall-off, inhibiting protein production. Through various genetic and biochemical techniques, such as fluorescent reporter development, ribosome profiling, charged tRNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry for metabolites and proteins, the team explores the direct control of gene expression by amino acid physiology and tRNA pool dynamics. Alicia is currently looking to hire graduate students, research technicians, and postdoctoral researchers interested in these areas.

Research Interests

Experience

Instructor

2024-09-01 — Present

Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology • Durham, NC

Instructor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University.

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)