Dr. Elizabeth Heller

Associate Professor

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Biography

Elizabeth Heller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 and completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at Rockefeller University in 2009. Her research focuses on the mechanisms by which epigenome remodeling regulates neuronal gene function and behavior. The Heller Lab employs advanced techniques to directly manipulate histone and DNA modifications of specific genes in vivo, utilizing viral delivery of innovative epigenetic editing tools, including zinc-finger transcription factors and CRISPR/dCas9-fusion proteins. High-throughput sequencing is used to identify genes associated with drug-stress regulation, and the lab explores the causal relevance of individual epigenetic modifications to transcriptional regulation and subsequent behavioral adaptations, particularly in the context of addiction and depression. Heller's research addresses the long-term effects of harmful experiences and aims to uncover new therapeutic interventions targeting epigenetic remodeling in the brain.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.