Erik S. Knudsen, PhD

Chair, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Senior Vice President and Associate Director for Basic Science
The Dr. JoAnn Vedder Rogers Endowed Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biology
 View the Knudsen Lab

Research Interests:

  • Cell cycle control in cancer as a therapeutic target
  • RB-tumor suppressor pathway in the progression of cancer
  • Breast cancer and Pancreatic cancer genetics
  • Defining rationally targeted therapeutic interventions for clinical use

Biography

Erik Knudsen, PhD, is the Senior Vice President and Associate Director of Basic Science Research and the Chair of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Hailing from Seattle, Dr. Knudsen is a scientist with over 20 years research experience with a focus on deciphering some of cancer’s complexities and developing new therapies that help patients live longer and have a better quality of life.  Dr. Knudsen is a standing member of the Cancer Etiology Study Section at the National Institutes of Health and has also authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, articles, and books chapters, and has been awarded numerous grants. Dr. Knudsen is a national and internationally recognized leader in cancer research and has spoken around the world about his research discoveries.  

Witkiewicz-Knudsen Lab

Positions

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • Professor of Oncology
  • Senior Vice President and Associate Director for Basic Science
  • Chair – Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • The Dr. JoAnn Vedder Rogers Endowed Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Background

Education and Training

  • 1996 - PhD, - Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
  • 1990 - BS - Biochemistry and Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Fellowship

  • 1997-1998 - Postdoctoral Fellow, Cell Cycle Deregulation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
  • 1996-1997 - Postdoctoral Fellow, Cell Cycle Regulation by the Retinoblastoma Tumor Suppressor, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA

Professional Memberships

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • American Association for Cancer Research

Professional Experience

  • 2016-2018 - Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
  • 2012-2016 - Professor Department of Pathology UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
  • 2011-2012 - Co-director, Translational Research Shared Resource, Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

Honors & Awards

  • 2016 - Maynard Excellence in Breast Cancer Research Chair, University of Arizona
  • 2013 - Charles Ashworth, Chair in Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center
  • 2012 - Hilary Koprowski, Chair in Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University
  • 2012 - Hearin Distinguished Lectureship
  • 2002 - Dr. J.P. Minton Research Medal, American Cancer Society-Ohio

Research Overview

Publications