The Loertscher research group is focused on understanding the biochemical basis for cellular adaptation to environmental changes. Currently the group is investigating a family of endoplasmic reticulum proteins that are required for yeast cells to adapt to low temperatures. This work has implications for human health since this protein family has recently been identified as having a role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Dr. Loertscher is also actively engaged in scholarship to understand and improve student learning in biochemistry.  She is co-author with Dr. Vicky Minderhout of an active learning textbook for biochemistry entitled Foundations of Biochemistry and has worked with a community of faculty to create learning and assessment materials for use in the undergraduate biochemistry classroom.  Her research in this area focuses on the ways in which faculty classroom practices influence students’ understanding of foundational concepts and their ability to develop transferrable skills like teamwork and analysis of complex problems.