Stowers Institute for Medical Research appoints new Assistant Investigator

Kamena Kostova, Ph.D., a molecular biologist from Carnegie Science, will open her lab at the Stowers Institute in Fall 2024.

2024-04-30

(Press-News.org) KANSAS CITY, MO—April 30, 2024—The Stowers Institute for Medical Research announces the appointment of Kamena Kostova, Ph.D., as its newest Principal Investigator. Kostova, an accomplished cellular and molecular biologist, will join the Institute in Fall 2024 as an Assistant Investigator. She brings with her an established research program focused on understanding cellular responses to ribosome breakdown and the relationship these responses have with complex diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.

Kostova is currently a Staff Scientist at Carnegie's Biosphere Sciences and Engineering Division in Baltimore, Maryland.

During her time at Carnegie, Kostova received the prestigious Director’s Early Independence Award from the National Institutes of Health in 2019. This accolade recognized Kostova as one of the nation's "exceptional junior scientists," providing her the opportunity to bypass traditional postdoctoral training and transition directly into her own research lab.

"We are delighted to welcome and count Dr. Kamena Kostova as our newest Principal Investigator at the Stowers Institute,” said Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute. "Kamena brings a wealth of knowledge and ideas to the study of ribosomes, essential players in the production of proteins that make all of our cells work.”

Kostova's research has illuminated the critical role of ribosome integrity in cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-mediated genome editing and genome-scale screens, Kostova's lab investigates the molecular pathways underlying ribosome surveillance and maintenance.

"The ribosome is a captivating molecular machine with profound implications for human health. Studying ribosomes allows us to delve into diverse biological processes, from development to disease,” said Kostova. "I am thrilled to join the Stowers Institute, a hub of innovation and collaboration, where I can pursue bold new ideas with unparalleled support and resources."

“We are looking forward to welcoming Kamena to the Institute. The ribosome is the machine of life, and while we have a good understanding of how this complex machine is built, we don’t understand how defective machines are removed,” said Stowers Scientific Director Kausik Si, Ph.D. “Kamena’s work is attempting to fill this important gap in our knowledge. The Institute’s mission is to uncover the secrets of life and Kamena’s work goes to the heart of this secret.”

Originally from Bulgaria, Kostova's passion for science stems from the boundless curiosity surrounding unanswered questions in the field. "Science offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery," she shared. "I am excited to embark on this journey at the Stowers Institute, where cutting-edge research and transformative discoveries can truly make a difference.”

“Kamena’s expertise and commitment to scientific innovation add meaningfully and tangibly to our mission to uncover fundamental principles of biology with the goal of one day contributing to the understanding of human disease,” Sánchez Alvarado said.

About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The Institute consists of 21 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool.

Media Contact:
Joe Chiodo, Head of Media Relations
724.462.8529
press@stowers.org

END

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