Alexandra Naba

Alexandra Naba is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she leads the Naba Lab for ECM Research. Originally from Paris, she completed her Ph.D. at the Curie Institute, focusing on the role of the membrane-cytoskeleton linker ezrin in cell adhesion. Her academic journey took her to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for postdoctoral training, where she made significant contributions to the field of "matrisomics," which explores the molecular composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Dr. Naba is the visionary behind the Matrisome Project and MatrisomeDB, pioneering resources that offer comprehensive tools and data on the ECM. Her work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the ECM's role in health and disease. Her extensive research has been widely published, and she is a respected member of several editorial boards. Her leadership extends to various organizations dedicated to Matrix Biology, where she holds key positions. Throughout her career, Dr. Naba has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rupert Timpl award from the International Society for Matrix Biology in 2018 and the Philip L. Hawley distinguished faculty award in 2020. These honors reflect her outstanding contributions to the field and her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. In addition to her research, Dr. Naba is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists. She is actively involved in teaching and guiding students and postdoctoral fellows, fostering an environment of curiosity and innovation in her lab. Her dedication to education and research has made her a respected figure in the scientific community. Dr. Naba's work continues to push the boundaries of what is known about the extracellular matrix, with implications for understanding various diseases and developing new therapeutic strategies. Her pioneering efforts in matrisomics have opened new avenues for research and collaboration, making her a leading figure in the field.