Van Andel Institute welcomes metabolism expert Dr. Maulik Patel

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Aug. 25, 2025) — Van Andel Institute has recruited metabolism expert Maulik Patel, Ph.D., as an associate professor in its Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming. 

Patel studies how cells handle, store and expend energy — and how this intricate process interacts with other systems to influence health and disease. His research centers on cellular “powerhouses” called mitochondria, which support day-to-day function and, when faulty, contribute to a host of disorders.

At VAI, Patel will explore how cells maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and investigate what happens when this critical process breaks down. Homeostasis is a type of biological balance by which organisms — and the cells that comprise them — maintain a stable internal environment.

“I am thrilled to join VAI, an exceptional community of scientists, trainees and staff united in their commitment to transformative biomedical research,” Patel said. “I am especially excited at the prospect of collaborating with colleagues in the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming and across VAI and leveraging its cutting-edge Core Technologies and Services to delve deeper into the fundamentals of mitochondrial biology and its role in shaping human health.”

Learn more about Dr. Patel’s research ➔

Patel joins VAI from Vanderbilt University, where his lab revealed new insights into mitochondria’s role in homeostasis and other key aspects of mitochondrial biology. He also developed and taught the undergraduate courses Introduction to Cell Biology and Principles of Human Disease. His commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists earned him the 2021 Excellence in Mentoring Award from Vanderbilt’s Department of Biological Sciences.

Patel earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University. He then joined the lab of Dr. Harmit Malik at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as a postdoctoral fellow, where he developed a mitochondria-focused research program. He was awarded a prestigious Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Fellowship to support his work.