Susan Spencer

Susan Spencer, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biology at Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from Washington University. Her research focuses on understanding how genes and signaling pathways regulate neuronal cell fate during development, using the fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model system. Her work centers on EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and Notch signaling pathways, particularly their roles in patterning photoreceptor neurons in the Drosophila eye. These pathways are critical for normal development and are implicated in cancer progression.

Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemistry, genetics, microscopy, and cell culture techniques. Research extends findings from Drosophila to human systems using cultured cell lines. The lab's webpage (https://spencerlab.weebly.com) provides further details about ongoing projects and methodologies.

Publications highlight contributions to understanding EGFR regulation, Notch signaling, and retinal development. Current research emphasizes translating insights into cancer biology contexts. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in available texts.