Andrean Simons-Burnett

Andrean Simons-Burnett, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa with dual appointments in the Department of Radiation Oncology and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics. She serves as Director of the Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program. Her research investigates cancer progression mechanisms, focusing on oxidative stress, NADPH oxidase enzymes, and therapeutic strategies for head and neck cancers.

Her education includes a BS in Biochemistry and PhD in Toxicology and Food Science from Iowa State University, followed by postdoctoral training in Free Radical and Radiation Biology at the University of Iowa.

Research Interests: Dr. Simons-Burnett explores inflammation-driven drug resistance, TLR signaling, and novel biomarker development for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). She designs innovative cytokine delivery systems and studies premalignant lesion therapies.

Awards & Honors:

• Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society
• Two-time University of Iowa Inventor Award recipient
• NIH Clinical Loan Repayment Award
• Radiation Research Society Scholar in Travel Award
• AACR Minorities in Cancer Research Travel Award

She mentors students in cancer research, evidenced by her oversight of undergraduate presentations at conferences like the CURE Summer Cancer Research Program.