Dr. Nils Walter

Biography

Nils G. Walter serves as the Francis S Collins Collegiate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on RNA biophysics, particularly the dynamics of non-coding RNAs and their role in gene regulation. Walter leads a collaborative research group that integrates principles from chemistry, biology, and physics to uncover vital mechanistic relationships within RNA structures. His recent work utilizes advanced single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to gain insights into RNA behavior in live cells, aiming to innovate therapeutic strategies. Walter's research encompasses several directions, including RNA conformational dynamics, riboswitch structural transitions, and the mechanisms of RNA interference. He has developed new tools for RNA-based therapeutics and biosensors, with an emphasis on the clinical translation of these technologies. Additionally, he has founded the Single Molecule Analysis Real-Time Center and the Center for RNA Biomedicine, which push the boundaries of RNA research and its applications in medicine. His interdisciplinary approach not only engages students from diverse backgrounds but also cultivates a broad scientific skill set necessary for the challenges of modern science.

Research Interests

Courses