Justin Alexander is the Lab Manager and a Researcher in Dr. Sushant Bhatnagar’s lab. He recieved his undergraduate degree from Auburn University. Previously, Alexander gained experience with several types of exocytotic pathways and metabolic disorders in animals while conducting field-based research in Australia and Costa Rica. Alexander’s curiosity about diabetes research grew. Fueled by his interest in exotic animals and plants, he continued to explore the complex chemical machinery driving vesicle fusion.
The Bhatnagar lab is a blend of biochemical, physiological, and animal model-based investigative research focused on discovering novel mechanisms of pancreatic islet biology. According to Alexander, the lab’s current projects include understanding the role of the inhibitory protein Tomosyn-2 on insulin secretion, C1ql3-Bai3 on overall beta-cell function with thermodynamics, and bioinformatics to identify key components in islet function. The lab focuses on Type 2 diabetes using different mouse models. “The blending of hands-on experiments with regulated lab upkeep” piqued Alexander’s interest in diabetes research at UAB.
Alexander mentioned that the Bhatnagar lab has been supported by funds from the K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence award, American Diabetes Association, and NIH NIDDK R01 grants, as well as UAB DRC Pilot awards and Laboratory-startup funds.
Alexander described what his role as the Bhatnagar lab manager means to him: “Managing an active lab comes with immense responsibility, not only to your projects and lab members but also contributing to the UCDC’s mission of cutting-edge diabetes research. It is a fulfilling experience being a lab manager and making a difference within the center. I have enjoyed every aspect of learning the ins and outs of how to run a research lab.”
Alexander talks about his role as a difference maker managing the Bhatnagar lab from within, but he has also played a role in representing the UCDC to the outside as a researcher. In May, Alexander presented novel research findings at this year’s Boshell Diabetes Research Day program in Auburn, Alabama. He thereby had a chance to engage with partnering diabetes researchers and labs outside of Birmingham.
Like his work life, Justin’s passion for plants and exotic animals is evident in his personal life. “A typical afternoon includes me tending to my collection of corals and anemones, feeding my snakes and lizards, or propagating rare epiphytic and carnivorous plants for terrariums. I am the happiest when I am in nature, with my best friends, or listening to music.”