Renee Geck

Renee Geck is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Gonzaga University, specializing in genetics and cellular biology. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University's Biological and Biomedical Sciences program and a B.S. from George Fox University. Her research focuses on yeast genetics, pharmacogenetics, and experimental evolution, particularly studying how genetic variations impact drug responses and cellular adaptation. She integrates her research with education through initiatives like the yEvo Lab, providing high school students with authentic research experiences.

Geck's work bridges basic science and clinical applications, collaborating with organizations like ClinGen to improve genetic variant interpretation. Her research spans two core areas: using yeast models to assess human genetic variants' functional impacts and studying evolutionary adaptations in yeast under stress conditions. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining computational biology, experimental evolution, and outreach to foster scientific literacy and community engagement.

Her teaching portfolio includes courses on genetics, molecular biology, and biological systems, reflecting her commitment to equipping students with critical thinking skills. Geck actively involves undergraduates in her research, emphasizing hands-on learning and ethical scientific practice. She also contributes to advancing cancer biology research, exploring mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and cellular signaling pathways.