Dr. David Heisler
Heislerd@duq.edu
Duquesne 2023 – Present
UT Southwestern ’23
Ohio State ’17
Virginia Tech ’10
I was born and raised in northeastern Ohio and northern Virginia. I earned my B.S. Biochemistry from Virginia Tech where I studied the social motility of M. xanthus under the guidance of Dr. Wesley Black. After a year coaching high school wrestling, I started my Ph.D. with Dr. Dmitri Kudryashov at the Ohio State University. During this time, I uncovered a novel mechanism employed by toxins that target the actin cytoskeleton. As a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Neal Alto at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, I shifted my focus to understanding how cells protect themselves and others against microbial pathogens through the modulation of plasma membrane cholesterol levels. When not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, following sports, and exploring the Pittsburgh craft beer scene.
Current Graduate Students
Morgan McCann
Elias Griffin
Becca Slate
Current Undergraduates
Mia Seyfarth
Junior
Nate Philips
Junior
Ella Jacoby
Sophomore
Ella Aaron
Junior
C.J. Booterbaugh
Senior
Oliver Rosen (University of Pittsburgh)
Senior
Future Scientists
Former Lab Members:
Y
Megan Lyons (Duq ’26) – Penn State, Biotechnology Masters
Trista Newman (Duq ’26) – Ohio State College of Medicine, Ph.D. Candidate
Brianne Smith (Duq ’26) – Preparing for Dental School
Ryan Gugliotti (Duq ’26) – LECOM DO Student
Cate Chalovich (Duq ’26) – Scientist I, Allegheny Health Network
Anastasia Mastros (Duquesne; 8/23-5/24) – MD Student, Marshall University
Declan Raniowski (Duquesne; 1/24-5/24)
Tyler Erben (Duquesne; 8/25-12/25)
Mason Baldwin (Westminster College; 5/24-7/24) – Bioprocess Engineer, Krystal Biotech, Inc.
Ellen Palmer (U of Arizona; 5/24-7/24) – Medical Scribe, Emergency Physicians Professional Association
Erin Mykich (Carlow University; 5/24-7/24) – Nursing Assistant, Paramount Senior Living At Bethel Park
Zoe Woon (Byrn Mawr College; 5/24-7/24; 5/25-7/25)
Jacob Shoulders (University of Northern Arizona; 5/25-7/25)
Jillian Gallo (University of Mount Union; 5/25-7/25)
Interested in joining the team?
Contact Dr. Heisler about open positions