Bret A. Hassel, PhD

Titles

Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Assistant Director for Training & Education, UMGCCC

Director, Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Director, Nathan Schnaper Intern Program in Translational Cancer Research

Financial Sustainability Co-Chair, UMB CURE Scholars Program

School Affiliation

School of Medicine

Specialties

  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Cancer Research
  • Medical Education and Training

About

Research in my laboratory focuses on the endonuclease RNase-L that functions in host defense from microbial pathogens and as an endogenous constraint on cell proliferation. I and co-workers were the first to clone RNase-L over 20 years ago and subsequent work from my lab has contributed significantly to our current understanding of its biochemical and biological activities. The long-term goal of my work is to determine the mechanisms by which RNase-L mediates innate immune and tumor suppressor functions with the objective of modulating these activities for therapeutic applications. In addition to my research activities as a PI and laboratory mentor, I serve in multiple training, education and outreach capacities as central components of my professional activities. I am Director of the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology graduate program, have taught in nine graduate and medical school courses and was named Teacher of the Year in 2013.

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This information was last updated December 17, 2024.