Suzanne Gantar, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences

My research combines the fields of cancer biology and development and is focused on investigating the use of meiosis-specific genes as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Meiotic gene expression is usually silenced in normal somatic cells, however many cancer cells exhibit gene expression. These genes have previously been used as diagnostic and prognostic indicators for many types of cancer. My research investigates how these genes contribute to tumor evolution and can be used as targets for therapies, which could potentially limit toxic side effects. In addition to my scientific work, I am also passionate about the scholarship of teaching and learning with particular interest in increasing the participation of underrepresented populations, including women, in science.