Kara Bernstein

Kara Bernstein is a research-focused faculty member and Lab Head, leading a dynamic research group in the field of DNA repair and genome instability. Her work is centered on understanding the molecular mechanisms of homologous recombination and its implications in cancer biology. She mentors a diverse team including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians, and collaborates widely across disciplines.

Her research interests span DNA repair, genome instability, homologous recombination, cancer biology, molecular biology, and genetics. These areas are central to understanding how cells maintain genomic integrity and how defects contribute to diseases like cancer. Her lab employs evolution-based screening, functional genomics, and biochemical analysis to identify and characterize key DNA repair genes.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on tumor suppressor genes like RAD51C, therapeutic resistance in ovarian cancer, and genome-wide discovery of DNA repair mechanisms. These works reflect a consistent theme of integrating molecular biology with cancer genomics to uncover fundamental mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Kara Bernstein has trained numerous successful scientists who have advanced to roles in academia, industry, and clinical genomics. Her lab is supported by competitive fellowships such as the Basser Summer Scholars Program and the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society Undergraduate Scholarship, indicating strong recognition and funding support.

She leads an active research laboratory that fosters innovation and training in molecular and genetic research. The lab includes current postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technicians, and continues to contribute significantly to the field of DNA repair and cancer biology.