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Brenda S.J. Winkel

Professor of Biological Sciences
winkel
211A Steger Hall (MC 0477)
1015 Life Science Circle
Blacksburg, VA 24061
USA

Major Field of Interest

Intracellular organization of metabolic pathways

Current Research

Characterization of the architecture and localization of the Arabidopsisflavonoid enzyme complex using a variety of molecular, biochemical, and cell biological techniques; analysis of the effects of phytohormones on the plant root proteome and metabolome using mass spectrometry-based methods, in collaboration with the Helm Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and colleagues at Wake Forest University; development of novel multimetallic complexes for use as anticancer agents, in collaboration with the Brewer Laboratory in the Department of Chemistry.

  • 2010-2018 Head, Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech
  • 2007 Director, EIGER IGERT Graduate Program, Virginia Tech
  • 2004-2006 Founding Director, Molecular Plant Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Tech
  • 2004-2006 Associate Director, Fralin Center for Biotechnology, Virginia Tech
  • 1997-2002 Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech
  • 1992-1997 Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech
  • 1989-1992 Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School & Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Mentor: Howard M. Goodman, Boston, MA
  • 1989 Ph.D., Genetics, University of Georgia. Dissertation advisor: Richard B. Meagher; Title: “Analysis of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the Rubisco small subunit gene family in soybean (Glycine max)”
  • 1982-1984 Laboratory Technician/Supervisor, Biotechnology Division, Pall Corporation, Glen Cove, NY
  • 1981-1982 Research Associate, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital/Bronx Veteran's Administration Hospital, New York, NY
  • 1981 M.S., Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University. Thesis advisor: Joseph C. Schmit; Title: “Developmental regulation of protein synthesis in Neurospora crassa
  • 1978 B.S., Chemistry, Southern Illinois University
  • 1974-1975 Joint Enrollment Program for High School Seniors, Georgia Tech
  • 1973 Summer Intern, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
  • 2019 Department of Biological Sciences Outstanding Service Award, Virginia Tech
  • 2010 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award (with Karen Brewer, VT Chemistry, and Roger White, Theralase, Inc.)
  • 2007 Department of Biological Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award, Virginia Tech
  • 2006 Department of Biological Sciences Outstanding Service Award, Virginia Tech
  • 2000 College of Arts and Sciences Certificate of Teaching Excellence, Virginia Tech
  • 1999 Diggs Teaching Scholar Award (one of three awarded annually at Virginia Tech)
  • 1996 Department of Biology Teaching Award, Virginia Tech
  • 1995 Sigma Xi National Scientific Society
  • 1988 Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
  • 1978 American Institute of Chemists, Outstanding Senior Award, Southern Illinois University