Dr. Erika Holzbaur

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Erika Holzbaur. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Erika L.F. Holzbaur holds the William Maul Measey Professorship in the Department of Physiology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and History from the College of William and Mary in 1982 and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University in 1987. Her research focuses on microtubule-based motility, specifically the dynamics and mechanisms of cytoplasmic dynein and its activator dynactin. Holzbaur's work explores the role of these motor proteins in vesicular trafficking, microtubule organization, and development, as well as their connections to neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The laboratory employs various techniques, including in vitro motility assays, biochemical assays, live-cell imaging, and transgenic mouse models, to study dynein/dynactin function and its implications in motor neuron health. Holzbaur has a strong commitment to understanding the intricate relationships between motor protein dynamics and cellular health.

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.