A Multidisciplinary Scholar at the Helm of CCIB: Eric Klein’s Diverse Scientific Journey

Posted October 9, 2023November 8, 2024 in Uncategorized

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Dr. Eric Klein is the Graduate Program Director for the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology (CCIB) at Rutgers University-Camden. His academic journey spans multiple disciplines, beginning with undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a PhD in pharmacology at the same institution before engaging in postdoctoral research in microbiology at Princeton University. Dr. Klein now leads a lab that focuses on bacterial lipid metabolism, collaborating across fields to advance understanding in bacterial cell biology. As Graduate Program Director, he is dedicated to providing an environment that supports the growth and success of CCIB’s students and faculty.

Find out how Dr. Eric Klein’s academic background shapes his research approach and leadership at CCIB. See the impact of his lab’s work on bacterial membranes and learn how his vision is guiding the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.

A Foundation Built for the Vision of the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology (CCIB)

My academic journey mirrors the very essence of CCIB itself – a diverse and multidisciplinary pursuit of knowledge. It all began at the University of Pennsylvania, where I laid the foundation for my intellectual exploration. Armed with undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry, I embarked on a path that was destined to evolve.

Staying at the University of Pennsylvania for graduate studies, I shifted gears into mammalian cell biology, culminating in a PhD in pharmacology. My postdoctoral work at Princeton University marked another transformation, immersing me in the field of microbiology.

The Center for Computational and Integrative Biology has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, nurturing more than 50 PhD and MS students. Our esteemed faculty members have secured prestigious research grants, while our students have left their mark in the academic world by publishing in high-impact journals.
Dr. Eric Klein

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Leading Multidisciplinary Research

Today, I lead a laboratory dedicated to pioneering research in bacterial lipid metabolism. Drawing on expertise from chemists, physicists, and biologists, our lab explores fundamental questions about bacterial membranes. This collaborative environment exemplifies the spirit of interdisciplinary research that CCIB champions.

CCIB’s Legacy and Future

Over the past decade, CCIB has grown significantly, training more than 50 PhD and MS students. Faculty members have secured prestigious research grants, and our students have made impactful contributions in high-impact journals. As Graduate Program Director, my goal is to continue this upward trajectory, fostering an exceptional training environment for our students.

Our research projects include investigating the mechanical regulation of bacterial pathogenesis, the regulation of bacterial cell shape, and bacterial sphingolipid synthesis.