Nicole Najor

Nicole Najor is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Detroit Mercy, affiliated with the College of Engineering & Science. She teaches General Biology, Cellular & Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology. Her academic journey includes a B.S. from University of Detroit Mercy (2005), a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences from Wayne State University School of Medicine (2010), and a postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Dr. Najor's research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing meiotic cell cycle regulation and epidermal differentiation. Her work explores topics such as DNA replication checkpoints in yeast, desmosome function in skin biology, and genetic factors influencing epidermal morphogenesis. Notable findings include studies on Sic1-induced DNA re-replication and the role of SVEP1 in epidermal differentiation.

Her articles span disciplines including genetics, cell biology, and dermatology, with recent work emphasizing skin biology and signaling pathways. She has been recognized through grants such as the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein Award (2015) and UDM Faculty Grant Incentive Program (2017).

Dr. Najor emphasizes the foundational role of her early training at Detroit Mercy in shaping her dual focus on teaching and scientific research. Her laboratory work integrates molecular genetics and cellular biology to address fundamental questions in developmental and disease-related biology.