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
• PhD, 1997, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania
• AB, 1990, Biology, College of the Holy Cross

Teaching Responsibilities

• BI111/113 – Concepts in Biology I
• BI112/114 – Concepts in Biology II
• BI313 – Cell Biology Laboratory
• BI335 – Topics in Genetics
• BI340 – Cancer Biology
• BI398 – Senior Seminar Prep
• BI399 – Senior Seminar
• HN100 – Honors Capstone

Research Interests & Grants

Dr. Deschenes’ research aims to use an in vitro cellular model to better understand how mammalian skeletal muscle is involved in glucose uptake and whether certain endocannabinoids and capsaicin analogs can stimulate differentiation. Specifically, this project has 2 main goals: 1) characterizing the impact of the endocannabinoid anandamide on cell signaling and glucose uptake in a well-known cell culture model, mouse skeletal myoblasts (C2C12 cells), and 2) evaluating the influence of natural or synthetic capsaicin analogs and anandamide on C2C12 differentiation. The hope is that the results of this research eventually will lead to the identification of new ways to treat human metabolic and 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)