UMass Amherst Biologist Lillian Fritz-Laylin Named Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator

Lillian Fritz-Laylin, assistant professor of biology, was recently named as one 26 researchers included in this year’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator Program. The HHMI Investigator Program, which provides each awardee with roughly $11 million over seven years—renewable indefinitely pending review—chose this year’s cohort based in part on their scientific excellence, but also for their abilities to mentor the next generation of up-and-coming scientists.

Fritz-Laylin, who specializes in evolutionary cell biology, focuses on the evolution and diversification of the cytoskeleton, an internal scaffolding system that varies wildly among cell types and species, leading to diversity at the organismal level. This work requires understanding the cytoskeletal biology of diverse species, including those from unexplored parts of the tree of life. Fritz-Laylin’s lab develops genetic tools to study the cytoskeletal biology of historically neglected lineages, focusing on organisms that occupy pivotal evolutionary positions, exhibit remarkable cytoskeletal biology, and are important for human health and global ecology.

Guided by the principle of investing in “people, not projects,” HHMI provides Investigators with the time and resources they need to go where their science leads.

HHMI selects Investigators through a national open competition, which includes evaluation by an advisory panel of leading scientists as well as HHMI scientific leadership. Nearly 1,000 eligible scientists submitted applications during the competition. This year’s evaluation included a focus on research culture and mentoring, and highlighted individuals’ efforts to make science open and accessible to all.