David Bartel studies the many roles of RNA. His lab initially studied the ability of RNA to catalyze reactions and more recently has focused on microRNAs and other regulatory RNAs. Since 2000, his lab has made fundamental discoveries regarding the genomics, biogenesis and regulatory targets of these RNAs, as well as the molecular and biological consequences of their actions in animals, plants and fungi.
Bartel received his BA in Biology from Goshen College. Soon after completion of his PhD at Harvard University in 1993, he joined the Whitehead Institute as a Fellow. Currently, Bartel is Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Member of the Whitehead Institute and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Bartel’s many contributions to our understanding of the roles of RNA have been recognized with numerous awards, including the NAS Molecular Biology Award and election to the National Academy of Sciences.
