معرفی
Dr. Matt Steensma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at Van Andel Institute (VAI). He leads the Steensma Laboratory, focusing on developing treatment strategies for sarcomas and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). His work integrates molecular biology, translational research, and clinical insights to address aggressive cancers like bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.
Education: B.A. from Hope College, M.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Completed residency in orthopaedic surgery and fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Joined VAI in 2010 as an Associate Scientific Investigator, later becoming a Francis S. Collins Scholar in Neurofibromatosis Research (2014).
Research interests include tumor progression mechanisms in NF1, epigenetic alterations in neurofibromas, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. His lab employs genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived explants, and next-gen sequencing. Key focus areas are identifying therapeutic targets and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
Publications highlight NF1’s role in breast cancer, sarcoma genomics, and drug response. Collaborative grants include a 2013 Wells Fargo Foundation award for rare disease research. His team includes PhD students, postdocs, and technicians addressing clinical translation challenges.
Awards: Francis S. Collins Scholar (2014). Lab impact includes 122 peer-reviewed papers in 2024, contributions to VAI-SU2C clinical trials, and collaborations with institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering and Michigan State University.
