Lori Passmore uses structural biology, biochemical reconstitution and functional studies in an integrated approach to investigate multiprotein complexes. Her particular interests include understanding the lifecycle of mRNAs and DNA repair. Lori and her group have made fundamental discoveries on the molecular mechanisms of addition and removal of mRNA poly-adenosine (poly(A)) tails, which are important for efficient mRNA translation into proteins and mRNA stability in eukaryotes. They have also provided new insights into the recognition and repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks. Lori’s group has contributed to technological advances including new methods in electron cryo microscopy.