Kristopher Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt completed his academic training in Canada, studying at Trinity Western University (B.Sc.), the University of British Columbia (M.Sc.) and Simon Fraser University (Ph.D.). He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and teaches classes in the graduate and undergraduate divisions at EMU. Courses taught include Developmental Biology, Advanced Human Physiology, Animal Form and Function, and Faith & Ethics. Dr. Schmidt’s research interests include:

- Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling axonal guidance
- Investigating the role of unc-53/Nav2 in innate immunity
- Studying the physiology of the nematode excretory cell as a model for kidney function

Dr. Schmidt uses the small but powerful soil-nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study how cells and axons that make up the nervous system are precisely positioned, as well as ways that the nervous system contributes to normal functioning in whole organisms.

Cell migration is essential for a wide variety of processes including the formation of the nervous system. Also, abnormal cell migration can contribute to important disease processes such as cancer. When neurons are born, they migrate sometimes long distances to precise positions where they undergo a process of differentiation, polarization, and extension. Several molecules have been uncovered that control the migration of neurons and axons along either dorsoventral or anteroposterior axes in developing organisms. They have been studying the gene unc-53/Nav2, a complex gene that acts as a relay between guidance molecules controlling neuronal navigation in the anteroposterior axis of C. elegans and the cytoskeleton of the cell. Current work employs a number of cell biological, genetic, and biochemical techniques to explore the function of unc-53/Nav2 and to understand the signal transduction pathways that it controls.

Vertebrates (e.g. mice, humans) and invertebrates (e.g. flies, worms) share conserved innate immunity pathways necessary for protection from invading organisms. Misregulation of innate immunity can result in numerous pathogenic processes and contributes to diseases such as sepsis, arthritis, asthma, and cancer. We have discovered that the unc-53/Nav2 gene functions in conserved genetic pathways to ensure that organism maintain a robust immune response. Current work explores the tissues and genetic pathways that require unc-53/Nav2 in C. elegans innate immunity.

C. elegans maintains fluid homeostasis through a single cell termed the excretory cell which is the worm equivalent of the human kidney. The excretory cell serves as an excellent model cell for both cell development and fluid dynamics. We are using a number of genetic approaches to understand the development and function of the excretory cell in C. elegans as a way to model development and kidney disease in humans.

I endeavor to create learning environments where students can work on complex problems in active and interdisciplinary ways. As a biologist and professor, it is my responsibility to challenge students to become active learners, engage students in the scientific processes of research, and foster interdisciplinary approaches to Biology and the development of thoughtful science-citizens.

J. Jantzen, M. Lehman, J. Miller, R. Enke and K.L. Schmidt.  Navigating the Navs: Applying RNA-seq Tools to Understand the Differential Isoform Expression of unc-53/Nav2 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Society for Neuroscience Virginia Tech 2024

C. Lehman, M. Kinkaid, S. Mast, D. Afful, M.Baker, J. Landis, A. Paetkau, B. Wright E. Stringham, and K. L. Schmidt. The cytoskeletal regulatory protein UNC-53/Nav2 controls cell death processes in Caenorhabditis elegans, International C. elegans Meeting UCLA 2021.

C. Lehman, M. Kinkaid, S. Mast, D. Afful, E. Stringham, and K. L. Schmidt. Innate immune responses of Caenorhabditis elegans to the emerging pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis, International C. elegans Meeting UCLA 2021.

K.L. Schmidt. Implementing a large nephron drawing approach to teach renal physiology. AAC&U Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference, Chicago, IL. 2019.

C. Lehman, M. Kinkaid, S. Mast, D. Afful, E. Stringham, and K. L. Schmidt. unc-53/Nav2 inhibits the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. ASCB/EMBO Conference, Washington D.C. 2019.

E. R. Fajardo, and K. L. Schmidt. Caenorhabditis elegans innate immune response to Bartonella bacilliformis. ASCB/EMBO Conference, Washington D.C. 2019

Mercier C., and KL. Schmidt. unc-53 functions in innate immunity through its action in the excretory cell.  ASM Local Chapeter Meeting – Shenandoah Valley. Blue Ridge Community College, Weyer’s Cave, VA.  2018.

Ispas G., Baumgartner A, and K.L. Schmidt.  unc-53 limits acetylcholine transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans.  Butler Undergraduate Research Conference.  Indianapolis, IN.  2014.

Hochstetler A., Quiroz J, and K.L. Schmidt.  Extending the neuron navigator pathway: employing genetic screens to identify novel unc-53/Nav2 interacting genes in Caenorhabditis elegans.  Indiana Academy of Sciences.  Indianapolis, IN.  2013.

K.L. Schmidt. Building Research into the Biological Sciences Curriculum. Conrad-Grebel University College Marpeck Conference. Kitchener-Waterloo, ON. 2014.

K.L. Schmidt. Novel roles for UNC-53/NAV2 in the Innate Immune Response. Central Michigan University. Mt. Pleasant, MI. 2013.

K.L. Schmidt. unc-53 controls innate immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Butler University. Indianapolis, IN. 2013.

K.L. Schmidt. Navigating the Immune Response: UNC­53/NAV2 Mediates Multiple Aspects of Innate Immunity. Goshen College. Goshen, IN. 2012

• Principal Investigator, NSF-S-STEM Track II "Interdisciplinary Pathways to STEM Success and Sustainability: A Place-Based Restoration Effort", 2024-2031
• Co-Principal Investigator, NSF-Noyce "Preparing Secondary STEM Teachers to Improve STEM Learning in High-need Schools by Applying Restorative Justice in Education", 2021-2026
• Co-Principal Investigator, 4VA Advancing the Commonwealth (State Research Grant) "Testing the Efficacy of Radio Waves to Activate Biological Receptors", 2021-2024
• Principal Investigator, NSF-MRI “Acquisition of a High-Resolution Fluorescence Cumulant Analysis Stereomicroscope to Enhance Research and Teaching at Eastern Mennonite University”, 2018-2022
• Principal Investigator, NSF-REPS "Applying a Quantitative Genomics Approach to Identify the Protective Roles of UNC-53 in Innate Immunity", 2021-2022

Education Fellow for the American Society of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (2015-Present)

Board Member (Ex officio) of Sembrando Esperanza Peru (2022-Present)