Ruth Keri

Ruth Keri, PhD, is a Professor in both the Department of Molecular Medicine and the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. She also serves as Associate Director for Basic Research at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and leads the Keri Lab at the Lerner Research Institute. Her research focuses on understanding mechanisms underlying breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, with a particular emphasis on transcriptional control, epigenetic regulation, and therapeutic resistance. She has pioneered studies on the roles of transcription factors, signaling pathways, and drug combinations in breast cancer. Dr. Keri is committed to mentoring early-career scientists, especially from underserved backgrounds, and advancing diversity in STEM through NIH-funded initiatives.

• Education: BA in Chemistry from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Positions Held: Research Assistant to Full Professor
• Key Research Areas: Mammary gland development, epigenetic regulation, drug synergy

Her lab investigates genomic instability, therapeutic vulnerabilities, and the interplay between developmental pathways and cancer. Recent work includes targeting YES1 kinase and NEK2 to enhance taxane efficacy, and uncovering roles for PML1-WDR5 in estrogen receptor-positive cancer stemness.

Awards: NIH DEIA Mentorship Recognition, Case CCC leadership roles.

Grants & Collaborations: Active in drug development for HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancers, with regional and international lab collaborations.