Matthew Potthoff, PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Primary Office: 3322 PBDB
Office Phone: (319) 384-4438
Matthew J. Potthoff graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 with a B.S. in Biology/Zoology. In 2007, he obtained his Ph.D. in Genetics and Development from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in the laboratory of Dr. Eric N. Olson where he studied muscle development and metabolism. Between 2007-2012 he performed a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Postdoctoral Fellowship in the laboratories of Drs. David Mangelsdorf/Steven Kliewer and Dr. Shawn Burgess where he examined the role of endocrine fibroblast growth factors in regulating hepatic metabolism. In July 2012, Dr. Potthoff moved to the University of Iowa to become a member in the Department of Pharmacology and the F.O.E. Diabetes Research Center. His primary research interests are on the role of liver-derived factors, or hepatokines, in the regulation of systemic glucose and energy homeostasis. Matt’s hobbies include fishing, playing with the family, and throwing the ball with his dog, Cooper.
Lab Office: 3310C PBDB
Lab Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: matthew-potthoff@uiowa.edu
Faculty Profile
Diabetes Center Profile
Meghan Naber
Research Associate / Lab Manager
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: meghan-naber@uiowa.edu
Originally from Spirit Lake, IA, Meghan received her BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA and has worked in research at the University of Iowa since 2010. In her free time she enjoys true crime podcasts, paddle boarding, and baking. SSDGM.
Kristin Claflin, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: kristin-claflin@uiowa.edu
Kristin Claflin received her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Iowa in 2016, where she developed an interest in the neurobiology of energy homeostasis. She has continued her training as a postdoc in the Department of Pharmacology studying how FGF21 regulates energy expenditure. Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, true crime podcasts and shopping at Target.
Arvand Asghari, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: arvand-asgharikhonakdari@uiowa.edu
Arvand received his bachelor and master’s degrees in Biotechnology from University of Tehran, Iran. In 2017, Arvand moved to Houston to pursue his PhD studies in cell and molecular biology at University of Houston, where he worked on the metabolism and regulatory effects of a cholesterol metabolite, 27-Hydroxycholesterol, on adipose tissue and obesity. Arvand graduated with a PhD in biology in 2021, and immediately joined Potthoff Lab as a postdoc. Arvand loves cooking and tasting new dishes, and he also enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and podcasts on his spare times.
Misty Perez
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: misty-perez@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine
Misty earned her B.A. from Whittier College in 2020. She majored in biology and minored in chemistry before joining the Molecular Medicine program. Misty joined the Potthoff lab in early 2021 focusing on sweet-taste processing. Outside of lab, Misty likes doing weekend trips and cycling classes.
Andrew Sullivan
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: andrew-sullivan-1@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine
Andrew earned his B.A. in chemistry at St Olaf College in 2020 and enrolled in the Molecular Medicine Graduate Program here at the University of Iowa. Andrew joined the Potthoff Lab early in 2021, focusing his efforts on tracking down the effect of FGF21 on energy expenditure, studying the neuronal pathways associated with the FTO locus, and working with single cell RNA sequencing datasets to generate hypotheses to explore with in vivo models. Outside of graduate work, Andrew spends his time skateboarding and modifying headphones.
Iltan Aklan
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: iltan-aklan@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Neuroscience and Pharmacology
Iltan received her B.S in Genetics and Bioengineering from Yeditepe University (Istanbul, Turkey) in 2017. She joined the Potthoff lab in 2023. She currently investigates the effect of FGF21 on central mechanisms regulating energy homeostasis. Outside of lab, Iltan likes spending time with her cats (Alpha and Beta), playing badminton, and hanging out with her friends.
Matthew Juber
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: matthew-juber@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine
Matthew Juber received his B.S.e in Exercise Science and Health Promotion in 2018, and then his M.S. in Exercise Physiology at Florida Atlantic University in 2020 before entering the Molecular Medicine program. He joined the Potthoff lab in 2021 focusing on FGF21 intracellular signaling and the discovery of novel endocrine factors. Outside of the lab, Juber enjoys lifting weights, video games, recreational sports, and traveling with his wife.
Jesse Rose
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: jesse-rose@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine
Jesse earned his B.A. in molecular biology from William Jewell College in 2020 and joined the Potthoff lab in the spring of 2021. Currently, he is investigating the effects of dietary manipulation on long term body weight control and the potential role of FGF21 as a therapy for fatty liver disease. Jesse also enjoys watching NFL football, participating in triathlons, and spending time with his wife.
Kai Vorhies
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: kai-vorhies@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine
Kai received his B.A. in Biology from Grinnell College in 2019, and joined the Potthoff lab in 2021. Kai currently studies the effects ketones have on brain signaling. Outside of lab, he enjoys swimming, biking, bathing, and cooking.
Maria Alejandra Rodriguez Herrera
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: mariaalejandra-rodriguezherrera@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Genetics
Maria received her BSc. in Biology from Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia) in 2021. She began her graduate studies in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics at the University of Iowa in 2022 and joined the Potthoff lab in 2023. Maria is focusing on studying the effect of FGF21 on memory and brain metabolism in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Outside of lab, Maria likes playing guitar, watching horror movies and reading.
Yunfan Lin
Graduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: yunfan-lin@uiowa.edu
Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine
Yunfan Lin received his B.Sc.s. in Biomedical Science from Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh in 2022. He joined the Potthoff lab in 2023. Yunfan focuses his efforts on investigating the role of FGF21 in spatial memory regulation and energy expenditure, as well as the mechanisms of body weight regulation.
Chase Larsson
Undergraduate Student
Address: 3320 PBDB
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: clarsson@uiowa.edu
Chase is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. He joined the Potthoff lab in 2022 working with Matthew Juber focusing on FGF21 intercellular signaling. Outside of the lab, Chase enjoys playing video games and playing golf.