Elizabeth Sweeny

Dr. Elizabeth Sweeny is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she also holds membership in both the Cancer Center and the Cardiovascular Research Center. Her academic journey began with undergraduate studies at Santa Barbara City College, followed by a BS from Loyola University Chicago (graduating magna cum laude with Departmental Honors), and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania, MIT/Broad Institute, and the Cleveland Clinic before joining MCW as faculty in 2021.

Dr. Sweeny's research focuses on the intricate mechanisms of heme trafficking and allocation in eukaryotic cells, the role of molecular chaperones in heme metabolism, and the regulation of NADPH oxidases. Her groundbreaking work has revealed that GAPDH functions as a heme chaperone that allocates labile heme in cells, fundamentally changing our understanding of cellular heme distribution. She has also made significant contributions to understanding protein disaggregation mechanisms, particularly involving Hsp104, with implications for treating protein aggregation diseases.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research, with numerous papers in prestigious journals including Nature Communications, Science, Cell, and Journal of Biological Chemistry. Her work spans from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to potential applications in understanding and treating human diseases related to heme metabolism disorders and protein misfolding.

• Active NIH grant as Principal Investigator for 'Heme allocation and disruptions in asthma and the failing heart' (2019-2024) with $739,553 in direct funds
• Previous funding from the American Heart Association for research on Hsp104 and heme regulation in NADPH oxidases
• Recipient of multiple awards including Scientist of the Quarter at the Lerner Research Institute and the William E. Lower Award

Dr. Sweeny has mentored undergraduate students and collaborated extensively with researchers across multiple institutions. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with potential clinical applications, particularly in cardiovascular and cancer research where heme metabolism plays crucial roles.