Frank Macabenta

Through a combination of confocal microscopy and the vast array of genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology tools available to the Drosophila fruit fly model system, he seeks to uncover the gene regulatory networks that control cell fitness determination, intercellular communication, and collective migration leading up to the assembly of the larval midgut muscles. Macabenta has a Ph.D. in cell and developmental biology from Rutgers University. He comes to Occidental from Cal State Monterey Bay, where he was an assistant professor of biology.

What attracted you to Occidental?

I was attracted to Occidental because I’ve had firsthand experience in seeing how smaller class sizes provide so many more opportunities for applying innovative active learning approaches and fulfilling mentorship for both professors and students. As an alumnus of the University of Guam, where I got to know and interact with my professors way more than if I had gone to a much larger university, and having worked for several years at CSUMB, where I had my first faculty position and worked with an incredibly diverse student body, it is clear that the rich learning environment at Â鶹ÊÓƵreflects the values that have shaped my own journey as a scientist and an educator. Additionally, I love how Â鶹ÊÓƵcultivates engagement with the greater Los Angeles area through a variety of community-centered programs and classes that give students the opportunity to explore the culture and natural environment in this region. This sense of community is very important to me, and I am happy to be part of an institution that actively encourages that level of engagement.

How did you take an interest in biology, and in your specialty in particular?

I’ve always had an interest in both science and art since I was a little kid. I was first introduced to developmental biology in grad school, when I did a rotation in a fruit fly lab (which eventually became my thesis lab). The high-resolution images of immunostained tissues we obtained using confocal microscopy felt like a union of two of my biggest passions, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Additionally, I love working with fruit flies; they are extraordinarily well-suited to introducing undergraduate students to both introductory and advanced concepts in biology through their ease of handling, relevance to human biology (60% of genes are conserved between fruit flies and humans), and the vast array of genetics, cell, and molecular biology tools we have available.

Can you talk about a favorite class you have taught (or are currently teaching) and what students can expect to take away from it?

Last fall, I taught BIO-320: Developmental Biology. One of my favorite things about this field is how we tend to apply multidisciplinary approaches for a lot of our research questions—developmental biologists will use a combination of genetics, genomics, molecular biology, computational modeling, and even biochemistry to elucidate research questions. The implications of our field are quite far-reaching and multidisciplinary as well, spanning the gamut of stem cell biology, cancer biology, and biomimetics. It is a joy to be able to show students how developmental biology research integrates so many different fields, and how diverse animal models have yielded so many important insights into our own biology.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in Los Angeles?

I’ve really been enjoying exploring the incredible culinary scene that L.A. County has to offer! It’s been a joy to be introduced to or discover a new place to get coffee or food. I’ve also enjoyed visiting gardens like the Huntington and the L.A. Arboretum; the memberships have been well worth their price!

Anything else you would like to add?

I am thrilled to be part of a college that has such a strong commitment to ensuring students get a well-rounded education that bridges multiple disciplines. The students I’ve met have been creative and highly motivated, which is a testament to the culture of excellence that is encouraged and cultivated at Oxy. I am looking forward to contributing to that legacy.