Daniela Zarnescu, PhD
Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Training, Penn State College of Medicine
Professor, Cell and Biological Systems
Biography
My research investigates molecular mechanisms of aging and neurodegenerative disease, with emphasis on RNA processing, translation regulation, and cellular metabolism. Using genetically tractable Drosophila models of disease integrated with human iPSC systems and patient tissues, my laboratory has elucidated conserved mechanisms underlying ALS and related disorders. This “fly‑to‑human” framework has enabled interdisciplinary collaboration across genetics, bioinformatics, metabolomics, and translational neuroscience.