The Hehnly Lab is Hiring!!!

by Heidi Hehnly in


A postdoctoral position is available in our lab to study the role of cell division in tissue morphogenesis using the zebrafish embryo. Women and URM are encouraged to apply. Contact Heidi for further information at hhehnly at syr.edu.

The Hehnly lab focuses on a broad question: How do ciliated cells develop into a functional polarized organ?  We propose that this occurs through a sequential process that starts with cell division and placement of the cytokinetic midbody, which marks a site for where the apical membrane should be placed. Once cytokinesis completes, cilia assembly occurs. If a ciliated organ is to expand its central lumen, cells need to re-enter the cell cycle and correctly position their mitotic spindle along the longest axis parallel to the lumen. We test a model in which the centrosome is essential during this process, modulating signaling events to1) regulate spindle assembly and positioning, 2) direct events to assist in the final stage of cell division, cleavage of the cytokinetic bridge (abscission), and 3) direct apical polarity and formation of a primary cilium.  To identify the mechanisms involved in these processes we use mammalian cell culture and the model vertebrate Danio rerio (Zebrafish) coupled with advance light-microscopy, biochemical, and molecular approaches. We currently seek a researcher with a background in cell biology and microscopy. The position is for a Postdoctoral Research who will be funded by an NIH R01.  Specific research goals will be discussed and agreed upon with the principal investigator (Heidi). Please apply by sending a cover letter, CV, and job references to Heidi.

Come hang out with us in Syracuse!


Congrats to Julie Manikas, and we will miss you!

by Heidi Hehnly in ,


Our Postbac Julie Manikas last week is next week. She has been in our lab for 2 years. Before being a postbac she did her senior research working with newly minted Hehnly lab PhD Lindsay Rathbun (currently at University of Rochester). During her postbac she’s been closely mentoring SU senior Nicole Hall (in photo below with Julie). While the lab is sad to see her go, we are also super excited to see all that she does as a graduate student at NYU! Congrats Julie and good luck!

Nicole Hall on left and Julie Manikas on right = the dynamic duo studying cilia formation in  vivo.

Nicole Hall on left and Julie Manikas on right = the dynamic duo studying cilia formation in vivo.


Mike's last day!

by Heidi Hehnly in ,


Last Friday was Mike Bates’s last day. He started as an undergraduate in the lab while we were still at Upstate (2017) and stayed through graduation and with us for another year. We are going to miss him lots! And, to see him off we had a COVID safe and socially distant going away party at Thornden Park with individually wrapped snacks. Good luck Michael and we wish you all the luck with your next steps!


Congrats to Nikhila!

by Heidi Hehnly in ,


Nikhila passed her Qualifying exam! Congrats and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Keep your eyes peeled some cool stuff coming out of this Hehnly Lab Grad student in the next couple of months!

Nikhila enjoying a celebratory cake while social distancing on our front porch. Cake delivered by Abbi and Mike!

Nikhila enjoying a celebratory cake while social distancing on our front porch. Cake delivered by Abbi and Mike!