Publications
Matthew G. Niepielko, PhD
mniepiel@kean.edu
Education
Ph.D., Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 2014
M.S., Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 2010
B.S., Major: Biology, Minor: Environmental Studies, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, 2008
Professional Positions
Associate Professor of Computational and Integrative Biology, Kean University, (Effective 9/1/25)
Assistant Professor of Computational and Integrative Biology, Kean University, 2019- Present
Founder & Director, NJ’s Research Alliance for Inclusive STEM Education (NJ-RAISE), 2023- Present
Visiting Research Scholar, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, 2019- Present
Activities Coordinator, High School Summer Research Program, Kean University, 2019- Present Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, 2014- 2019
Teaching & Graduate Assistant, Rutgers University- Camden, 2008- 2014
Undergraduate Teaching & Research Assistant, Stockton University, 2007- 2008
Publications
Adeniji, I., Casarona, M., Bielory, L., Bancairen, L., Menzel, M., Perigo, N., Blackmon, C., Niepielko, M.G., Insley, J., and Joiner, D., Using Unity for Scientific Visualization as a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience, Journal of Computational Science Education, 2024
Doyle, D.A, Burian, F.N, Aharoni, B., Klinder, A.J., Menzel, M.M., Nifras, G.C.C., Shabazz-Henry, A.L., Palma, B.U., Hidalgo, G.A., Sottolano, C.J., Ortega, B., Niepielko, M.G. Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2023
Kara, E., McCambridge, A., Proffer, M., Dilts, C., Pumnea, B., Eshak, J., Smith, K., Fielder, I., Doyle, D., Ortega, B., Mukatash, Y., Malik, N., Mohammed, A, Govani, D., Niepielko, M.G., Gao, M., Mutational analysis of the functional motifs of the DEAD-box RNA helicase Me31B/DDX6 in Drosophila germline development. FEBS Letters, 2023
Valentino, M., Ortega B.M., Ulrich, B., Doyle, D.A., Farnum, E.D., Joiner, D.A., Gavis, E.R., Niepielko, M.G., Computational modeling offers new insight into Drosophila germ granule development, Biophysical Journal, 2022
Niepielko, M.G., and Shumskaya, M., Early Requirement for Bioinformatics in Undergraduate Biology Curricula. Frontiers in Bioinformatics, 2021
Revaitis, N.T., Niepielko, M.G., Marmion, R.A., Klein, E.A., Piccoli, B, Yakoby, N., Quantitative analyses of EGFR localization and trafficking dynamics in the follicular epithelium . Development, 2020
Niepielko, M.G., Eagle, W., Gavis, E.R., Stochastic seeding coupled with mRNA self-recruitment generates heterogeneous Drosophila germ granules. Current Biology, 2018
Eagle, W., Yeboah-Kordieh, D.K., Niepielko, M.G., Gavis, E.R., Distinct cis-acting elements mediate targeting and clustering of Drosophila polar granule mRNAs. Development, 2018
Niepielko, M.G. and Yakoby, N., Evolutionary changes in TGFα distribution underlie morphological diversity in eggshells from Drosophila species. Development, 2014
Niepielko, M.G., Marmion, R.A., Kim, K., Luor D., Ray C., Yakoby, N., Chorion Patterning: A window into gene regulation and Drosophila species-relatedness. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2014
Niepielko, M.G., Ip, K., Kanodia, J.S., Lun, D.S., Yakoby, N., Evolution of BMP signaling in Drosophila oogenesis: a receptor-based mechanism. Biophysical Journal, 2012
Niepielko, M.G., Hernaiz-Hernandez, Y., Yakoby, N., BMP signaling dynamics in the follicle cells of multiple Drosophila species. Developmental Biology, 2011
Zartman, J.J., Cheung, L.S., Niepielko, M.G., Bonini, C., Haley, B., Yakoby, N., Shvartsman, S.Y., Pattern formation by a moving morphogen source. Physical Biology, 2011
Open Educational Resources
Shumskaya, M., Benjamin, S., Niepielko, M. G., Lorusso, N. Statistics with epidemiology of COVID-19. QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/H1HE-5Z05, 2021
Grants and Funding
- Undergrad Research Initiative for Student Enhancement, U-RISE, #T34GM149448, NIH, NIGMS, 2024 PI along with Drs. Derrick Swinton and Salvatore Coniglio, Total Funding: $1,376,802
- Faculty Early Career Development Program, CAREER Award, #2237390, NSF, MCB & GM, 2023, Total Funding: $829,472
- Subaward from NIH #R15HD092925, (PI is Dr. Ming Gao), NICHD, 2023, Total Funding: $22,961
- Academic Research Enhancement Award, AREA, R15, #R15HD102960, NIH, NICHD, 2021, Total Funding: $314,116
- Start-up Package ($39,919), Kean University, 2019-2022
- 3-Minute Pitch (Co-Investigator, PI: Dr. Swinton), ($20,000), Kean University, 2022
- Core Facility Research Equipment Funding (Lead organizer), Kean University, 2021, Total Funding: $3,000,000
- Students Partnering with Faculty Award, Kean University, 2020, 2021
- Faculty Seed Award ($1,000), Kean University, 2020, 2022
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (#F32GM119200), NIH, NIGMS, 2016 2021, Total Funding: $115,284
- Dean’s Research Travel Grant, Rutgers University-Camden, 2008, 2009, 2010, & 2012
Honors and Awards
- Presidential Excellence Award for Research, Kean University, 2023
- Faculty Research Mentor of the Year Award, Kean University, AY 2022-2023
- Special Letter from NJ Gov. Murphy recognizing my advancement of STEM Education Outreach, 2023
- NJ State Senate Resolution recognizing Excellence in STEM teaching, and research, 2023
- School of Integrative Science and Technology Teaching Fellowship, Kean University, 2023
- Life Sciences Top Poster Award, NJ Research Cores Partnering Conference, Rutgers, 2022
- Research Release Time Award (x3), Kean University, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Kean Hard Hat Pin in recognition for excellent service, Kean University, 2021
- XSEDE EMPOWER Mentor (x2), National Computational Science Institute, 2021
- Distinguished Publication Award, Kean University, 2020
- Untenured Faculty Research Initiative Award, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2020
- Best Publication Award (with Dr. Robert Marmion), CCIB, Rutgers University-Camden, 2015
- Alumni Association Graduate School Academic Achievement Award, Rutgers, 2014
- DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, Genetics Society of America, 2014
- Lansbury Prize for Academic Excellence, Rutgers University-Camden, 2013
- M.S. Program Distinction, Rutgers University-Camden, 2010
- Summa Cum Laude, Stockton University, 2008
- B.S. Program Distinction, Stockton University, 2008
- James Jones Wildlife Conservation Award, Atlantic Audubon Society, 2008
Teaching Experience
Assistant Professor of Computational and Integrative Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2019- Present
Department of Biological Sciences
School of Integrative Science Teaching Fellow, Kean University Union, NJ, 2023- Present
School of Integrative Science and Technology
Teaching Transcript Certificate Program, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 2018
McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning
Teaching Assistant, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 2017- 2019
Department of Molecular Biology
Adjunct Faculty, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, 2015
School of Natural Science and Mathematics
Adjunct Faculty, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ, 2015
Science Department
Teaching and Graduate Assistant, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 2008- 2014
Department of Biology
Teaching Assistant, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, 2008
School of Natural Science and Mathematics
Professional Activities and University Services
Activities Coordinator: Group Summer Scholars Research Program, Kean, 2019- Present
Fostering Communities of Practice Through Research and Peer Mentoring, (IUSE, NSF #2247157), Kean University, 2023- Present
College Research Committee, The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, 2025- Present
Early Career Reviewers (ECR) program, NIH, 2024
NSF Review Panelist and ad hoc reviewer, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, 2024
Careers in Academia, moderator for TAGC24 meeting, Genetic Society of America, 2024
Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) Workshop, TAGC24 meeting, 2024
Student Mentoring Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, 2024- Present
Cougar Investigator Shark Tank competition, "Shark Tank Judge”, Kean University, 2024
Distance Learning Committee, Kean University, 2022-2023
Chair: Kean University Research Committee, 2021-2023
R2 Presidential Advisory Committee, Kean University, 2020- Present
Chair: R1/R2 Institute Research Subcommittee, 2020- 2023
Role of Research in Curriculum Subcommittee, 2020-2023
University Appeals Board Member, Kean University, 2019-2023
Core Research Facility Oversight Committee, 2021-2022
Core Research Facility Steering Committee, 2021-2022
Nominations Committee, Kean University, 2019-2021
Curriculum Committee, NJCSTM, Kean University, 2019-2022
Kean-Ocean Committee, Kean University, 2020 -2022
Editorial Board Member for Kean Quest, Kean University, 2019
Certified USA Youth Hockey Coach, USA Hockey, 2022- Present
Science Outreach
Group Summer Scholars high school student research program, Kean University, 2019-present
Poster Advocate Program, Genetics Society of America, TAGC, 2024
K-12 Science Outreach Demonstrations, Cedar Grove Elementary, 2023
Project SEED Mentor for high school students, American Chemical Society, 2022
STEM Outreach Program (faculty advisor), Kean University, Union, NJ, 2019-2022
Nokia Bell Labs North Jersey Regional Science Fair, 2020, 2021
Jersey Shore Science Fair, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, 2015
Graduate Molecular Biology Outreach Program, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 2015
Undergraduate Research Programs
New Jersey’s Research Alliance for Inclusive STEM Education (NJ-RAISE), 2023- present
Scholars Academy Mentor, Kean University, 2023- present
Research First Initiative Mentor (CUREs), Kean University, Union, NJ, 2019- Present
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chemical Bonding Fellowship Mentor, 2021- 2022
Summer Undergraduate Research Program, Princeton University, Princeton NJ, 2017, 2018
Princeton Scholars, Princeton University, Princeton NJ, 2017
Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Rutgers University, Camden NJ, 2010- 2014
Q-STEP, Rutgers University, Camden NJ, 2010- 2014
Invited Speaker
1) Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Germline Development, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, 2024
2) Diversification of Drosophila germ granules is driven by a combination of developmental mechanisms. Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 2023
3) Mentor of the Year Research Presentation, Kean University Board of Trustees, Union, NJ, 2023
4) Drosophila germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features. Seminar Series, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2022
5) Drosophila germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features. Kean Research Days, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2021
6) Careers in STEM, STEM Outreach Program, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2021
7) Regulation of Drosophila germ granule mRNA localization by cis-acting homotypic clustering elements, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 2018
8) Drosophila germ granule mRNAs self-organize through a nucleation and recruitment mechanism. Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 2017
9) BMP signaling dynamics in the follicle cells of multiple Drosophila species. 52nd Annual Drosophila Research Conference, San Diego, CA, 2011
10) BMP signaling dynamics reflect a variety of eggshell morphologies across Drosophila species. Biology Dept., Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, 2009
11) BMP signaling dynamics reflect a variety of eggshell morphologies across Drosophila species. Graduate Research Symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 2009
12) EGFR signaling controls the formation of the eggshell’s dorsal-ridge. Biology Department, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ, 2009
Associations
Genetics Society of America (GSA), 2008- present
USA Hockey Youth Coaching Education Program, 2022- Present
Toms River Youth Hockey Club, 2022- present
Rutgers Camden Writing Circle, Camden, NJ, 2011- 2012
Baseball for Autism Awareness, 2003- 2008
News and Media Features:
1) “Kean Receives Prestigious $1.37M Federal Grant to Broaden Opportunities in Biomedical Science” Kean News, Kean University, 5/30/24
2) “Fruit Fly Research at Kean Provides Insights on Infertility,” Kean News, Kean University, 2/13/24
3) “Congratulations to CCIB’s First PhD Graduate, Dr. Matt Niepielko, for Winning an NSF Career Award,” Rutgers Camden CCIB News”, 2/6/2023
4) “Kean Professor Matthew Niepielko Receives Prestigious NSF Award to Support Genetic Research and STEM Education,” Kean News, 1/31/2023
5) “Original Strategies for Training and Educational Initiatives in Bioinformatics,” Frontiers in Education eBook, 9/2022
6) “Faculty-Student Research Team Advances Understanding of Fertility,” Kean News, 5/10/2022
7) “A Message from President Repollet,” Office of the President, Kean University, 3/19/2021
8) “The Doctors Are In,” Rutgers Camden Magazine, 2020
9) “Gene Networks,” New Jersey News, 1/8/2009
Poster Presentations
1) Gisselle A. Hidalgo, Ahad L. Shabazz-Henry, Bianca M. Ortega, Suneth Tissera, David A. Joiner, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Exploring the Impact of Germ Granule Diversity on Germline Development in Drosophila, The Allied Genetics Conference, Washington DC, 2024
2) Rosalee Lachner, Angel Quinones, Alexander Escobar, Matthew G. Niepielko, Confocal Microscopy and Imaging Pollen Grain, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2023
3) Michael Casarona, Lark Bancairen, Matthew G. Niepielko, David Joiner, Networked 3D Cell Visualization Utilizing Unity Engine, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2023
4) Bianca M. Ortega, Matthew G. Niepielko, and David A. Joiner, Identification and Quantification of Biological Cells Using Optimized Machine Learning Algorithms, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2023
5) Dominique A. Doyle, Florencia N. Burian, Bianca Ulrich, Gisselle A. Hidalgo, Christopher J. Sottolano, Bianca M. Ortega, Matthew G. Niepielko, A combination of developmental mechanisms drives the evolution of Drosophila germ granules, 64th Drosophila Research Conference, Chicago IL, 2023
6) Dominique A. Doyle, Bianca Ulrich, Bianca M. Ortega, Florencia Burian, Gisselle Hidalgo, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Drosophila germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features, Germ Cells Conference, Cold Spring Harbor, 2022
7) Derrick Swinton, Matthew G. Niepielko, Maria Shumskaya, Dilrukshi Ramanathan, David Joiner, Salvatore Coniglio, Keith Bostian, Demetri Spyropoulos, and Arezue Boroujerdi, Kean University’s Core Research Facility (CREF), New Jersey Research Cores Partnering Conference, Rutgers University, 2022
8) Bianca Ortega, Matthew G. Niepielko, and David Joiner, 3D Visualization, Identification, and Quantification of Biological Cells using Virtual Reality, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2022
9) Dominique A. Doyle, Bianca Ulrich, Bianca M. Ortega, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features among Drosophila species, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2022
10) Milton Sanabria and Matthew G. Niepielko, Characterization of Primordial Germ Cells in Various Species of Drosophila, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2022
11) Bianca Ortega, Matthew G. Niepielko, and David Joiner, 3D Visualization, Identification, and Quantification of Biological Cells using Virtual Reality, STEM Kean Research Days, 2022
12) Dominique A. Doyle, Bianca Ulrich, Bianca M. Ortega, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features among Drosophila species, STEM Kean Research Days, 2022
13) Dominique A. Doyle, Bianca Ulrich, Bianca M. Ortega, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features among Drosophila species, 63rd Drosophila Research Conference, San Diego CA, 2022
14) Michael Valentino and Matthew G. Niepielko, mRNA Cluster Aggregation, Kean Research Days, Kean University, 2020
15) Chiemeka Okere, Florencia Burian, Dominique Doyle, Nyeshia Yarber, Alexander Escobar, Fadgeolie Athouriste and Matthew G. Niepielko, Germ granule content of nos and pgc mRNAs differ among Drosophila species, The Allied Genetics Conference (abstract), 2020
16) Alexander Escobar, Bianca Ulrich, Angel Quinones, Sarah Bambilla, Nyeshia Yarber, Dominique Doyle, Florencia Burian, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Conservation and Diversity of Germ Granules in Drosophila, STEM Research Day, Kean University, 2020
17) Sarah Bambilla, Katharine Morrison, Bar Yifrakh, Alexander Escobar, Nyeshia Yarber, Dominique Doyle, Florencia Burian, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Comparisons of Composition and Diversity of Germ Granules among Drosophila, STEM Research Day, Kean University, 2020
18) Michael Heck, Dominique Doyle, Nyeshia Yarber, Sarah Bambilla, Alexander Escobar, Florencia Burian, Matthew G. Niepielko, Germ Granule mRNA content is diverse among Drosophila species, STEM Research Day, Kean University, 2020
19) Michael Heck, Sarah Bambilla, Angel Quinones, Guilherme Klein Machado, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Gene Expression in Multiple Species of Drosophila, Kean Research Day, 2020
20) Katharine Morrison and Matthew G. Niepielko, Investigating Microbiomes and Alcohol Tolerance in Drosophila Species, Kean Research Days, 2020
21) Florencia Nicole Burian, Dominique Doyle, Nyeshia Yarber, Alexander Escobar, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Conservation and Diversity of Germ Granules in Drosophila, Kean Research Days, 2020
22) Florencia Burian, Sarah Bambilla, Chiemeka Okere, Dominique Doyle, Nyeshia Yarber, Alexander Escobar, Fadgeolie Athouriste, and Matthew G. Niepielko, Drosophila germ granule analysis reveals conserved and diverse features, Germ Cells Conference, Cold Spring Harbor (virtual), 2020
23) Rishik Danda, Hannah Hirsch, Dev Jadav, Amanda Jin, Frances Lai, Raveera Toqeer, Florencia Burian, Michael Heck, Matthew G. Niepielko, drk/grb2 gene expression is dynamic and diverse in Drosophila, GSSRP symposium, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2019
24) Niepielko, M.G. and Gavis, E.R., Drosophila germ granule mRNAs self-organize through a nucleation and cis-regulated recruitment mechanism. 59th Drosophila Research Conference, Philadelphia, PA. 2018
25) Niepielko, M.G. and Gavis, E.R., Drosophila germ granule mRNAs self-organize through a docking and recruitment mechanism. Germ Cell Conference, Cold Spring Harbor, NY. 2016
26) Pope, N., Pouradier Duteil, N., Niepielko, M.G., Picolli, B., Yakoby, N., A mathematical approach to predicting the mechanisms underlying the evolution of eggshell patterning by the TGF-alpha-like ligand Gurken. 56th Drosophila Research Conference, Chicago, IL. 2015
27) Niepielko, M.G. and Yakoby, N., The dorsal ridge: a TGF-alpha-like mediated morphological novelty on the Drosophila eggshell.55th Drosophila Research Conference, San Diego, CA. 2014
28) Niepielko, M.G., Marmion, R.A., Kim, K., Luor, D., Ray C., Yakoby, N., Diversity and dynamics of Chorion patterning across Drosophila species. Drosophila Research Conference, Washington, D.C. 2013
29) Niepielko, M.G., Ip, K., Kanodia, J.S., Lun, D.S., Yakoby, N., An interdisciplinary approach to studying the evolution of BMP signaling. Drosophila Research Conference, Chicago, IL. 2012
30) Niepielko, M.G., Kanodia, J.S., Hernaiz-Hernandez, Y., Yakoby, N., Systematic analysis of BMP signaling dynamics across Drosophila species. UMDNJ Symposium, Pinehill, NJ. 2011
31) Niepielko, M.G., Kanodia, J.S., Hernaiz-Hernandez, Y., Yakoby, N., Systematic analysis of BMP signaling dynamics across Drosophila species. Drosophila Research Conference, Washington, D.C. 2010
32) Niepielko, M.G. and Yakoby, N., BMP signaling dynamics reflect a variety of eggshell morphologies across Drosophila species. Drosophila Research Conference, Chicago, IL. 2009