Dr. Maxwell Heiman

Biography

Maxwell Heiman is an Associate Professor specializing in Genetics and Pediatrics. His research focuses on understanding cell architecture and the relationship between the shapes of cells and their functions, particularly in the context of how these factors contribute to developmental biology and neuropsychiatric disorders. Heiman's lab employs the model organism C. elegans to investigate how cells acquire their shapes and establish connections necessary for organ formation. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as fluorescence deconvolution and super-resolution structured illumination microscopy, his research aims to visualize and catalog the shapes and connections of individual neurons and glia in live, intact animals. His approach combines genetic methodologies with cutting-edge microscopy to explore the genetic programs that dictate cell morphology. Heiman's findings have significant implications for understanding how defects in cell shape can lead to human diseases, by identifying key genes and molecular mechanisms that are conserved across species. His innovative use of C. elegans allows for the systematic screening of genetic mutations that affect neuronal and glial morphology, shedding light on the fundamental principles of cell biology and development.

Research Interests

Experience