Michelle Rose Dawson

Michelle Rose Dawson serves as Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry and Assistant Professor of Engineering at Brown University. She holds key leadership positions including Co-Director of Graduate Studies in Biomedical Engineering and Associate Director for Cancer Research Training and Education at the Legorreta Cancer Center. Dr. Dawson is also a standing member of the Cancer Cell Biology NIH study section, demonstrating her significant contribution to the field of cancer research.

Dr. Dawson's research focuses on the intersection of aging, cancer, and women's health, specifically investigating how senescent cells that accumulate in aging tissues contribute to tumor microenvironment remodeling, tissue stiffening, and cancer progression to metastatic and chemoresistant disease. Her laboratory develops in vitro models of the tumor microenvironment for quantitative analysis of senescence-associated modifications, combining high-resolution imaging with clinical samples, in vivo mouse studies, and human tissue array analyses. Her work primarily centers on women's cancers, particularly ovarian and breast cancer, which have been historically understudied.

Analysis of Dr. Dawson's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on cellular mechanics in cancer progression, particularly how aging and senescence influence tumor microenvironment properties. Her research demonstrates how cytoskeletal modifications, extracellular matrix remodeling, and mechanical signaling contribute to cancer cell heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. A significant portion of her work focuses on polyploid giant cancer cells and their distinct biophysical properties that drive malignant progression.

Scientific awards and recognition:

• Dean's Research Bonus for excellent research and funding efforts (2024)
• Rising Star Faculty Member, CMTM Symposium (2021)
• American Association for Cancer Research Minority and Minority Serving Institution Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research Award (2018)
• Georgia Tech Women in Engineering (WIE) Teaching Excellence Award (2013)
• Georgia Tech Junior Faculty Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2013)

Dr. Dawson has secured substantial funding from major agencies including the NSF and NIH, with an NCI R01 grant focused on metabolic changes in invasive ovarian cancers. Her research program includes multiple projects examining senescence-associated modifications in the tumor microenvironment, lipid metabolism in ovarian cancer, and the biophysics of polyploid giant cancer cells. She actively mentors graduate students through the Biomedical Engineering program and teaches courses in molecular and cell biology with applications to disease and therapy.

The Dawson Lab operates at the interface of cancer biology, biophysics, and aging research, with a strong emphasis on translational relevance. Her team utilizes advanced imaging techniques, quantitative biophysical measurements, and engineered 3D models to investigate how mechanical and biochemical properties of the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression, particularly in aging populations. The lab maintains strong collaborations across Brown University, particularly with the Legorreta Cancer Center and the School of Engineering.