Vicki Chandler

Vicki Chandler. An American plant biologist and academic administrator renowned for her pioneering research in epigenetics and gene silencing, particularly in maize. Her scientific career, marked by leadership at major research institutions and foundations, has significantly advanced understanding of genomic imprinting and transposable elements. Chandler has held prestigious positions including Chief Program Officer for Science at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and director of the Bio5 Institute at the University of Arizona.

Early life and education

Chandler completed her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, a leading institution in the biological sciences. She then pursued her doctoral degree at the University of California, San Francisco, earning a PhD in biochemistry under the mentorship of noted scientists. Her graduate work provided a foundational understanding of molecular biology techniques. This training at premier University of California campuses positioned her for a impactful career in genetic research.

Academic career and research

Chandler began her independent research career as a professor at the University of Oregon, where her laboratory made seminal discoveries. Her work focused on the paramutation phenomenon in maize, a model system for studying epigenetic inheritance. She identified key genetic loci and mechanisms involving RNA-directed DNA methylation, contributing fundamentally to the field of epigenetics. Her investigations into transposable element regulation and genomic imprinting were supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Chandler later continued this research at the University of Arizona, further exploring how chromatin structure influences gene expression.

Leadership and administrative roles

Chandler transitioned into significant academic leadership, serving as the Director of the Bio5 Institute at the University of Arizona, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical research. She also held an endowed professorship at the university's School of Plant Sciences. In 2009, she was appointed as a Chief Program Officer for Science at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, where she oversaw major grant initiatives in marine microbiology and plant science. Previously, she served as a Dean at the University of Oregon. Her strategic vision has influenced funding priorities and research directions at these prominent institutions.

Awards and honors

Chandler's contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and memberships. She was selected as an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a highly competitive research position. She was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors in American science. Chandler is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She has received accolades such as the Stephen Hales Prize from the American Society of Plant Biologists.

Selected publications

Chandler has authored influential papers in top-tier scientific journals. Key publications include studies on the *R* locus in maize published in *The Plant Cell*, detailing mechanisms of paramutation. Her work on the *B* pericarp color gene appeared in *Genetics*, exploring allelic interactions. Research on transposable element silencing has been featured in *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* and *The EMBO Journal*. These publications are frequently cited in the fields of plant genetics and epigenetics.

Category:American plant biologists Category:University of Arizona faculty Category:National Academy of Sciences members