Robert H. Singer

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Robert H. Singer is a prominent American cell biologist known for his pioneering work in the field of molecular biology, particularly in the study of RNA dynamics within living cells. He is a professor and co-chair of the Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

Early Life and Education

Robert H. Singer was born in New York City. He completed his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, where he developed an interest in biology. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Developmental Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Singer conducted postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Institut Pasteur in Paris. He joined the faculty at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1983, where he has since made significant contributions to the understanding of RNA biology.

Research Contributions

Singer's research has focused on the visualization and dynamics of RNA within living cells. He developed innovative techniques for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and live-cell imaging, which have allowed scientists to observe RNA molecules in real-time. His work has provided critical insights into the processes of gene expression, RNA transport, and RNA localization.

One of his notable contributions is the development of the MS2-MCP system, a method for tracking single RNA molecules in living cells. This technique has been widely adopted in the field of molecular biology and has advanced the understanding of RNA behavior in various cellular contexts.

Awards and Honors

Robert H. Singer has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including:

• The NIH Director's Pioneer Award
• The American Society for Cell Biology's E.B. Wilson Medal
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences

Personal Life

Singer is married and has two children. He continues to reside in New York City and remains actively involved in research and teaching.

See Also

• RNA
• Gene expression
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine