Suzanne M Deschenes, Ph.D.

Degrees & Certifications

• Post-Doctoral Associate, 1997-2001, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Molecular & Medical Genetics, Portland, OR, Laboratory of R. Michael Liskay, PhD
• Ph.D., 1997, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania
• AB, 1990, Biology, College of the Holy Cross

Teaching Responsibilities

• BI 111/113 Concepts in Biology I
• BI 201 Genetics
• BI 203 Genetics Laboratory
• BI 311 Cell Biology
• BI 313 Cell Biology Laboratory
• BI 335 Topics in Genetics
• BI 340 Cancer Biology
• BI 398 Senior Seminar Prep
• BI 399 Senior Seminar

Research Interests & Grants

Dr. Deschenes’ research aims to understand how natural and synthetic capsaicin analogs and antioxidants affect proliferation and differentiation of mouse skeletal myoblasts. The project has two goals: 1) Characterize the effect of capsaicin and its natural or synthetic analogs on proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells, and 2) evaluate the impact of addition of antioxidants on the effects of these capsaicin analogs on proliferation and differentiation of the same cells. The hope is that the results of this research eventually will lead to the identification of new ways to treat human muscle diseases.

Grants

• Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2014-2015)
• Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2008-2009)
• Sacred Heart University Academics for Creative Teaching Grant (2006-2007)
• Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2004-2005)
• Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2003-2004)