Magdalena Karbowniczek

Magdalena Karbowniczek, PhD is a Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in the School of Pharmacy's Department of Immunotherapeutics & Biotechnology. She holds both an MD (1993) and PhD in tumor pathology (1998) from Pomeranian Medical University in Poland. Dr. Karbowniczek is board certified in Anatomic Pathology and served as a histopathology consultant prior to coming to the USA. She completed postdoctoral training in Dr. Elizabeth Henske's laboratory at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.

Dr. Karbowniczek's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), Notch signaling, cell fate decisions, tumor suppressor genes, and cancer development. Her laboratory investigates how cell proteins and genes interact during embryonic development and later in life to transform normal cells into cancer cells. She employs syngeneic and genetically modified mouse models, drugs targeting downstream effectors, and advanced techniques including fluorescent-activating cell sorting, digital pathology, and various molecular biology assays.

Analysis of her publication record shows consistent research output spanning two decades with a recent acceleration in productivity. Her work bridges cancer biology, immunology, and molecular signaling pathways, with particular emphasis on how tumor suppressor genes like those involved in TSC contribute to cancer initiation and progression. The majority of her publications involve collaborations with Markiewski MM, Henske EP, and other researchers in the field.

Dr. Karbowniczek has mentored graduate students through laboratory rotations and continues to accept motivated students interested in tumor cell biology and cancer progression research. Her work has significant implications for understanding common human cancers including melanoma, brain tumors, and lung cancer through the study of rare TSC-related malignancies.