Position:
Associate Professor of Pharmacogenomics and Director of the Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Program
Location:
D3326 - ICPH Fairfax
Phone:
(540) 542-6259
Email:
amunson@su.edu
Employed Since:
2008
Educational History:
B.S. Biology, University of Michigan; Ph.D. Biology, Georgetown University
Fields of Expertise:
I’ve always loved genetics and when I told my undergraduate advisor that I wanted to major in Genetics he told me “genetics is a tool, not a major.” Those were unwelcome words at the time.
Since then, I’ve worked in an evolutionary genetics lab, a developmental genetics lab, done genetic manipulation to address molecular and cell biology questions, and investigated pathogen genetics before finally beginning work in Pharmacogenomics. Thinking back on it, in everything I’ve done genetics has been an essential tool in answering a variety of research questions. How right my advisor was!
Currently my research interests are in three main areas,
- Genomics – how can we use our knowledge of genomics to understand and manage disease, drug choice, drug efficacy, and drug side/adverse effects?
- Instructional Design – how do we make traditionally challenging material more accessible and interactive for students, especially in a synchronous, video-conferenced lecture setting?
- STEM outreach – how do we get more people, especially women and minorities pursing and persisting in STEM fields?
Professional Highlights:
Proud co-developer of the GO GIRL Summer Program designed to foster and nurture young women’s interest in science.
2016 NEB Passion in Science Award in Mentorship/Advocacy Category (https://www.neb.com/about-neb/passion-in-science-awards)
Personal Quote:I love working in a lab setting with students. When they are doing hands on work is when you really get to see those “ah ha!” moments that every teacher loves!