Academic focus: Organelle quality control in health and disease
Research summary: The Fischer Lab is interested in mechanisms of organelle quality control – or how cells monitor the integrity of their internal compartments to preserve organelle health. These processes are critical for cellular homeostasis and survival, particularly in the central nervous system where loss of organelle integrity underlies a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. As many organelle quality control-related neurodegenerative disorders present chronic inflammation, my lab is also focused on dissecting the molecular links between these pathways and innate immunity. By combining biochemistry, advanced imaging and genetic approaches, we aim to discover new pathways of organelle quality control important for human health.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy biking, being in nature, discovering new and old music, and reading nonfiction. I also enjoy cooking with my partner and exploring new towns/cities together with our near 17-year-old dog, Cash (like Johnny), who has traveled with us across the country and recently across the border to Canada.
What brought you to Cornell CALS?
The research and the people. It really is such a welcoming community of people studying fascinating and diverse areas of research with a clear commitment to education and science as a public good. I am excited to join a community with shared values and many opportunities for creative collaborations!
What is an interesting fact about your field of study that you think everyone should know?
For many years, it was assumed that some of the proteins I study solely function in the autophagy pathway (a process in cells that helps dispose of and recycle cellular material). Between 2008-2012 there were a few papers challenging that assumption which were foundational to my postdoctoral discoveries showing similar results. Only now, over a decade later and with a mound of new evidence, has the field come around to accepting that these proteins may have additional functions - starting a new field we are excited to contribute to!
Why did you feel inspired to pursue a career in this field?
Mostly through intense curiosity and following the science. My path has been a bit nontraditional, but through continuously trying to understand how biology works at deeper levels, I became fascinated by the inner world of cells. Ever since, I have been hooked on figuring out how cells dynamically remodel their organelles and membranes, and how these processes go awry in human disease.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field of study?
Jump in and don’t be afraid to challenge the dogma!
What are your current or future outreach/extension projects?
I am a problem solver to my core, and I find solving common challenges together with others – whether that be in science, at work or in the community – is pure magic. At the NIH, I started a problem solving group for women in science and worked with others to improve the fellows program. I also worked with an organization called ASAP Bio to increase open access in science through preprints and reimagining a more fair peer review process. I hope to continue working with others to solve common challenges and improve access to science for all at Cornell.
Learn more about Tara from her CALS profile and lab website.
