“My parents, who immigrated to the US in the 1980s after China’s Cultural Revolution ended, instilled in me the importance of education, hard work, sacrifice, and finding a career that balances those aspects with giving back to others,” shared Dr. Suzann Duan, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the newest faculty member in the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Growing up in Reno, NV, our home was decorated with an eclectic assortment of biology and plant physiology books, and outside our doors laid a rich ecosystem of forest, mountains, and wildlife. It was the perfect environment for cultivating my passion for science and biology.”
After earning her BS in Health Sciences from Boston University, Dr. Duan worked as a volunteer research assistant at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and went on to pursue her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology from the university. Then, she completed postdoctoral training at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she studied the cells-of-origin for neuroendocrine tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (GEP-NETs) and worked to identify novel signaling pathways that contribute to pathogenesis of the tumors.
Dr. Duan’s current research focuses on defining the signals that initiate and sustain aberrant cell development leading to neoplastic transformation.
“Ongoing work in my lab combines the use of transgenic mouse models, 3-D tumoroid culture systems, and state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to elucidate the underlying etiology of endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms,” she explained. “Our goal is to translate these discoveries toward defining personalized biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in these cancers with limited options for screening and treatment. Our initial work builds on a current NIH Mentored Career Development Award to decipher the cellular origins of GEP-NETs and the signals that direct their development.”
As a new UCI faculty member, Dr. Duan is excited to work with Anteaters across campus and throughout the UCI Health system, including the teams at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Research Institute, Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, and Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences.
“The individual centers, institutes, and schools within UCI align with how I see my research program developing and represent a strong network of peers and collaborators that will inspire me toward new and exciting research directions,” she said. “The energy and passion for science, mentorship, and advocacy at UCI is palpable. I can’t wait to build a community with everyone here.”
