Suzanne Ponik

Suzanne Ponik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, affiliated with the School of Medicine and Public Health. Her research focuses on understanding how extracellular matrix (ECM) components like collagen influence breast cancer progression and metastasis. Dr. Ponik holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and completed postdoctoral training at the Indiana University School of Medicine and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Her lab investigates three key areas: 1) ECM assembly mechanisms in the mammary gland, 2) tumor-stromal cell interactions with the ECM, and 3) ECM-driven tumor cell dissemination. Current work includes developing imaging techniques to visualize tumor microenvironments and exploring therapeutic strategies targeting ECM-fibroblast interactions.

Dr. Ponik advises ERP student Shelby Fertal and contributes to the ERP Program since 2020. Her research has led to over 60 publications, with recent breakthroughs in exosome-mediated ECM signaling and fibronectin-targeted therapies. Her lab's innovations in label-free imaging and microphysiological systems advance patient-specific treatment modeling.