Maureen A. Kane

Maureen A. Kane, PhD, is a Professor and Executive Director of the Mass Spectrometry Center at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She holds leadership roles in analytical chemistry, biomarker discovery, and translational research. Dr. Kane’s research focuses on mass spectrometry-based methodologies, retinoid metabolism, and radiation injury biomarkers.

Education & Experience:

• BS in Chemistry, Canisius College (1995)
• PhD in Chemistry, University at Buffalo (2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Berkeley (2003–2009)
• Assistant Professor (2009–2015), Associate Professor (2015–2022), and Professor (2022–present), University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
• Executive Director, Mass Spectrometry Center (2015–present)

Research Interests: Dr. Kane’s work integrates advanced mass spectrometry techniques with biochemical studies to address disease mechanisms. Key areas include retinoid signaling in development and reproduction, radiation injury biomarkers, and pharmaceutical analysis. Her lab develops novel methods for metabolomics, lipidomics, and imaging mass spectrometry.

Biomarker Research Highlights: Her team identifies biomarkers for radiation exposure outcomes, prenatal alcohol exposure, and traumatic brain injury. Collaborations with MCART (Medical Countermeasures Against Radiological Threat) consortium advance medical countermeasure development.

Awards:

• Champions of Excellence Award (2018)
• Teacher of the Year (2011–2012)
• Waters Center of Innovation (2013–present)

Grants & Advising: Dr. Kane leads NIH-funded projects on retinoid metabolism and radiation biomarkers. She mentors over 20 graduate students and postdocs, with many alumni in academic and industry roles.

Lab & Facilities: The Mass Spectrometry Center, directed by Dr. Kane, provides cutting-edge instrumentation for proteomics, lipidomics, and MALDI-MSI. It supports collaborative research across disciplines.