One YU: Advancing
Science Across Departments & Disciplines
IRINA CATRINA, PH.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry, Yeshiva University
T uesday afternoon in Dr. Irina Catrina’s chemistry lab hums with quiet focus. A biology undergrad meticulous- ly pipettes liquids into vials, a biochemistry major fine- tunes reaction conditions, and a graduate student in biotechnology management pores over genetic sequences—each bringing a unique skill set to the shared pursuit of discovery. At many universities, rigid academic structures keep research- ers—and students—confined to their own fields. Yeshiva University takes a dierent approach, encouraging faculty and students across its undergraduate and graduate schools, and across disparate disci- plines, to work together. A powerful example of this collaborative approach is the work of Dr. Catrina, professor of chemistry at Yeshiva College, and Dr. Josefa Steinhauer, professor of biology at Yeshiva College, who, to- gether, secured a $600,000 National Science Foundation grant for research on gene expression regulation. Their groundbreaking work explores how cells precisely control RNA expression—critical for embryonic development and disease prevention—potentially influencing breakthroughs in genetic disorder treatments and bio- medical research. What makes this prestigious grant especially significant is that its preliminary data was funded by a seed grant from the Katz School of Science and Health’s Faculty Research Initiative, which supports STEM and health research at YU. Faculty from any de- partment or graduate school can apply as long as their project in- cludes Katz faculty or graduate students. Since launching in 2022, the initiative has driven research in ar- tificial intelligence, biotechnology, mathematics, physics, neurosci- ence, environmental science and occupational therapy, as well as advancing studies in cancer biology, genetics, machine learning and mental health. “We’re breaking down barriers between disciplines,” said Dr. Marian Gidea, associate dean for STEM Education and Research at Katz, who heads the program. “We know that the best discoveries happen when brilliant minds from dierent fields join forces.” Catrina’s work embraces this approach. By merging molecular
techniques from chemistry with genetic system analysis from biol- ogy, she and Steinhauer created a partnership that deepens their understanding of complex biological processes. “The two disci- plines are deeply connected,” Catrina said. “Bringing them together allows us to ask bigger questions and discern deeper insights.” Students like Andres Romero, a second-year biotechnology management student at Katz, experience this firsthand. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia and trained as a mechanical engineer, he has worked in Catrina’s lab since summer 2024. “We all learn from one another, filling in gaps in our knowledge and pushing our work forward in ways none of us could alone,” he said. Romero’s work in the lab complements his business-focused graduate studies, giving him a competitive edge in the job market. “This kind of scientific exposure makes a real dierence in my future,” he said. The spirit of teamwork extends beyond the lab. As Catrina not- ed, YU’s uniquely supportive culture fosters partnerships that can be rare in academia. “Everyone here is eager to help—whether it’s colleagues exchanging ideas, students jumping into new projects or university leadership providing resources,” she said. “There’s a real sense of community and shared purpose.” The success of Catrina’s research also shows how Katz’s seed funding can pave the way for major external grants, a model that will continue driving research across YU. While many institutions struggle with compartmentalized re- search, YU is proving that cross-disciplinary collaboration is essen- tial; having undergraduates and graduate students working side by side elevates the quality of research. “This isn’t about one grant or one lab,” Gidea said. “It’s about creating a research culture where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. We are building an environment that reflects the best of YU—rigorous, mission-driven and designed to make a real impact.”
7
YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog