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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
winkel@vt.edu
(540) 231-3013

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

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