Zachary Schafer

Zachary Schafer is the Coleman Foundation Associate Professor of Cancer Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. His research centers on understanding how cancer cells survive during metastasis, particularly under stress conditions such as loss of attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM). He leads an active research laboratory focused on cancer metabolism, cell death pathways, and tumor progression.

Research Interests:

• Cancer Metabolism and Metabolic Reprogramming
• Metastasis and Anoikis Resistance
• Cell Death Mechanisms (Ferroptosis, Apoptosis, Pyroptosis)
• Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Biology
• Iron Metabolism in Detached Cancer Cells
• Signal Transduction in Tumor Microenvironment

The most recent publications reflect a consistent and deep focus on metabolic vulnerabilities in detached cancer cells, especially in the context of ferroptosis, mitophagy, and immune evasion. His work bridges molecular oncology, cell biology, and metabolism, aiming to uncover therapeutic targets in metastatic cancer.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• No specific awards listed in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Schafer leads an active research group and mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, as evidenced by his extensive publication record with multiple trainees as co-authors. His lab is supported by competitive research funding, likely from NIH or similar agencies, though specific grants are not listed. His long-standing research program since 2009 indicates sustained funding and academic leadership.

Labs and Teams: The Schafer Laboratory, located in the Galvin Life Science Center at Notre Dame, employs cell-based models to study metabolic and survival mechanisms in cancer cells. The team collaborates widely, as seen in multi-institutional publications, and maintains a strong focus on translational relevance in cancer biology.