Brian Cunniff, PhD.
Assistant Professor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, at the University of Vermont
Dr. Cunniff completed his PhD in the Cellular and Molecular Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Vermont in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Nicholas Heintz. Following post-doctoral work at the University of Utah and Harvard Medical School Dr. Cunniff returned to the University of Vermont to start his independent research lab. Dr. Cunniff’s research focuses understanding how mitochondria structure and function contribute to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Specifically, aggressive tumors such as malignant mesothelioma, ovarian and breast cancer hijack mitochondrial systems to support their aggressive growth. Additionally, the Cunniff lab has supported the development of compounds that target mitochondria in cancer cells, exploiting a metabolic vulnerability universal to aggressive tumors.
The Cunniff lab has supported research and development for RS Oncology to bring new therapeutic options to the clinic for malignant mesothelioma. The Cunniff lab serves as a primary research site for RS Oncology related efforts. Dr. Cunniff is the Chief Science Officer for RS Oncology.
