Aravin Named HHMI Faculty Scholar

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the Simons Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation today announced the selection of 84 Faculty Scholars, early career scientists who "have great potential to make unique contributions to their field," according to the press release from the three philanthropies. This year is the inaugural year of the Faculty Scholars program, with more than 1,400 faculty applicants throughout the United States. Alexei Aravin's previous research led to the discovery of a group of small, non-coding RNAs called piRNAs that protect germ cells against mutations caused by transposons—segments of genetic material that undergo relocation within the genome. Now, Aravin is studying the molecular mechanisms behind the piRNA pathway to understand how piRNAs are produced. "I am honored and excited about having been selected for such a prestigious award," says Aravin. "I am looking forward to branching into and exploring new directions in RNA biology.