John M. Schmitt

John M. Schmitt serves as Professor of Biology and Director of the School of Natural Sciences at George Fox University, where he joined the Department of Biology and Chemistry in 2005 and leads the Richter Scholars Program. His academic leadership extends to curriculum development and undergraduate research mentorship within the natural sciences division.

Educational background:

• BS in Biology, Pacific University (1995)
• PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology, Oregon Health Sciences University (2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vollum Institute at OHSU (2002-2005)

Dr. Schmitt's research centers on cellular mechanisms of oncogenesis, with emphasis on CaM Kinases, ERK, and AKT signaling pathways in breast, prostate, and brain cancers. His laboratory investigates hormone-mediated regulation (vitamin D, estrogen, testosterone) of cancer cell survival and proliferation using molecular and biochemical approaches. This work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational cancer therapeutics development.

His 2010-2011 publications reveal consistent focus on kinase signaling networks in hormone-responsive cancers, particularly examining CaM Kinase's role in ERK activation and AKT-mediated survival pathways. These studies establish mechanistic links between kinase cascades and cancer progression in model systems.

Scientific recognition:

• Holman Professor (2012-2014)

Research funding includes principal investigator roles for grants from the Paul K. Richter Memorial Fund, Evalyn E.C. Richter Memorial Fund, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and Li-Cor Biosciences. His Richter Scholars Program mentorship integrates undergraduate students into active cancer research, reflecting his commitment to experiential learning. The laboratory operates under the mission to 'better understand God’s creation and ourselves and to make discoveries that advance biology and improve human health,' with current projects examining estrogen-CaM Kinase interactions in breast cancer and hormone regulation of bone cell metabolism.