Petra Tsuji

Dr. Petra Tsuji is Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedicine/Molecular Biology from the Medical University of South Carolina, M.P.H. with Nutrition Certificate from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, M.S. in Marine Biology from the University of Charleston, and M.S. in Biology from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe University.

Her laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of colon cancer and inflammation using dietary compounds like selenium and polyphenols. Research employs in vitro and in vivo models including colon cancer cells and mouse tumorigenesis, with additional work on mammalian microbiomes. Current projects examine selenium-sulforaphane synergies and polyphenol effects on carcinogenesis.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on dietary modulation of cancer pathways, particularly through selenoproteins and redox regulation. Recent work emphasizes sorghum polyphenols' effects on carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes and epigenetic mechanisms.

Courses taught include BIOL 200 (Intro to Cell Biology and Genetics), BIOL 411 (Cancer Biology), and graduate-level cancer biology courses.