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Allyson F. O'Donnell, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on the trafficking of arrestin family protein adaptors, particularly the relatively unstudied α-arrestins. Through her work, she has demonstrated that α-arrestins, similar to β-arrestins, regulate G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. Her studies delve further into the unexpected trafficking pathways and endosomal recycling mechanisms of α-arrestins, employing a combination of molecular, biochemical, genetic, and advanced microscopy methods to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning α-arrestin-mediated trafficking. Additionally, her research aims to answer fundamental questions regarding the function of arrestins in yeast to enhance our understanding of GPCR signaling and protein trafficking. O'Donnell's research further investigates the interaction partners of α-arrestins across yeast and mammals, suggesting that analogous pathways may exist in other eukaryotes. Currently, she is applying insights gained from yeast models to initiate studies on the lesser-studied mammalian α-arrestins.
The Statistics MS program focuses on mathematical statistics and applied statistics.