Blanche Young

Dr. Blanche Young is an Assistant Professor and co-director of the Interdepartmental Medical Science (IMS) program at Drexel University's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies. She holds a full-time faculty position with teaching responsibilities across multiple programs, including the IMS and Evening Post-Baccalaureate Premedical (PMED) programs.

Education:

• BA from University of Hawaii at Manoa
• PhD from Tufts University

Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary work spans developmental biology, molecular oncology, and tissue morphogenesis, with emphasis on signaling pathways (hedgehog, Wnt), collagen biology in corneal/tendon tissues, and breast cancer mechanisms. She also investigates skeletal development and extracellular matrix dynamics.

Publications Overview: Her research outputs (2000-2008) predominantly explore skeletal and cartilage development, collagen functions in connective tissues, and molecular regulation of morphogenesis. Key themes include progenitor cell dynamics, hedgehog signaling in cranial development, and fibrillogenesis mechanisms across tendon/corneal systems.

Teaching & Leadership:

• Developed 'Fundamentals of Cancer Biology' course integrating disease models
• Teaches Microanatomy Lab, Medicine and Society, and General Biology
• Co-directs IMS program operations and curriculum