The Department of Molecular Genetics is excited to welcome Associate Professor Dr. Michael Kearse to the department. Dr. Kearse previously served as an Associate Professor in the Ohio State College of Medicine and relocated his research program on eukaryotic mRNA metabolism and translational control to our department in August 2026. Since starting at Ohio State in 2019, Dr. Kearse has been continuously funded by the NIH—first through an R00 Pathway to Independence Award and currently with an R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award. He has mentored numerous successful PhD students and is a highly active member of the Center for RNA Biology. An internationally recognized leader in RNA biology and translational control, Dr. Kearse serves on multiple NIH and AHA study sections and sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Dr. Kearse is also a dedicated advocate for student success and graduate education, highlighted by his deep involvement in the Ohio State graduate community. His research program uses multidisciplinary approaches to define novel mechanisms of how mRNA translation is regulated in human biology and disease. A major focus of his lab involves understanding genetically inherited mutations in RNA-binding proteins and the translation machinery. Additionally, his group investigates non-canonical translational control mechanisms that challenge traditional paradigms of protein synthesis, many of which are linked to cancer and neurological disorders. 

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kearse to the department and look forward to the continued growth and impact of his research and mentorship. Please join us in welcoming him as he begins this exciting new chapter!