John Schell is an MD/PhD candidate in Jared Rutter’s lab at the University of Utah. Schell’s research has focused on how cells get energy for growth and the role mitochondria play in this process. He helped discover the identity of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier, an important gene involved in cellular metabolism that was long overlooked. As a result of this discovery, he is asking how this process might be altered in cancer and other diseases. Whenever possible, Schell seeks out new opportunities in teaching and mentoring, especially with high school and college level students. In the summer of 2015, he attended the Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting in Germany and the IUBMB-SBBq Young Scientist Program in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Both were exceptional opportunities to talk intensively and be exposed to new areas of research being carried out by passionate young scientists. As part of living in the beautiful state of Utah, Schell takes any opportunity he can to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, which includes road biking. He also really enjoys playing with his dog, Gideon, who makes a cameo appearance in Schell’s iBiology talk.
Talks with this Speaker
Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier: Getting Fuel to the Cell’s Engine - The Importance of Metabolism in Disease
Using yeast and Drosophila genetics, John Schell and colleagues found a new gene involved in the cellular breakdown of nutrients, the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier. (Talk recorded in May 2015)
Audience:
- General Public
- Student
- Researcher
- H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 30:49
