Karl Munger

Karl Munger is the Vice Dean for Research and Dorothy Todd Bishop Research Professor and Chair of the Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) responsible for cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Zurich and completed postdoctoral training at the NIH, shifting his focus to HPV oncogenesis. Dr. Munger has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and maintains NIH-funded research programs. His work identifies therapeutic targets for HPV-associated cancers and elucidates virus-host interactions.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 1986
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, University of Zurich

Research Interests:

Dr. Munger’s lab investigates HPV oncoproteins E6/E7’s roles in carcinogenesis, targeting retinoblastoma pathways, and viral immune evasion. Recent work explores long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HPV pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies against HPV-induced cancers. His studies address increasing HPV-associated anal/oral cancer rates and public health challenges.

Grants & Funding:

• NIH grants on HPV pathogenesis, lncRNA regulation, and mouse models
• Mary Kay Foundation funding for cervical cancer biomarker research

Teaching & Mentorship:

Teaches graduate courses in biochemistry and cell biology at Tufts. Mentors undergraduates, master’s, Ph.D. students, and postdocs, serving on numerous thesis committees.

Labs/Teams:

Leads a multidisciplinary team focusing on HPV molecular biology, cancer virology, and translational research. Collaborates internationally on virology and oncogenic virus conferences.