Meet Our Researchers: Shai Bel

Hometown: Rishon Le-Zion, Israel

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Research Overview

In the Bel lab we use state-of-the-art mouse models, combined with high resolution microscopy and molecular biology to understand how the intestine functions. We focus on two specialized epithelial cells, Paneth and goblet cells, to investigate how the intestine forms a barrier and why this barrier breaks down when inflammatory bowel diseases develop. Our mission is to understand why inflammatory bowel diseases develop and find clever ways to treat them.

What inspired you to select your field of study?

I started out in science working on colon cancer. As time went by, and I learned more about the gut, I became fascinated by the fact that such a system can actually function. We each have so many microbes residing just micrometers away from our immune system, yet when we’re healthy our immune system doesn’t attack them. The gut is the only organ in the body where this “tolerance” happens. To me, this makes the relationship between the host and its microbiota in the gut an absolute anomaly, which is why it never stops inspiring me to research it.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students?

Remember that science is like looking for a black cat in a dark room. This means that your advisor is fumbling in that dark room just like you are. They don’t have flashlight either. The only difference between you is that your advisor’s eyes have become a little more accustomed to the dark.

When you’re not in the lab, how do you spend your time?

I have two boys, so I’m mostly breaking up fights. But when I’m not doing that, I like to play guitar and banjo. 

You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?

The Drugs Don’t Work by The Verve. And I hope you’re wearing earplugs. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The power to convince reviewers.