Ryan Swartz

Graduate Student, Pathology MS Program
Biography

I was born and raised in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania before attending Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Genetics and Development Option. During my time at Penn State, I performed research with Dr. Emily Bell as part of the Cell Biology Undergraduate Research Team on the role of CD36 in cancer metastasis and with Dr. Susan Hafenstein where I assisted in the study of viral structure using Cryo-EM. I also completed a Chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates with Dr. Mark Hedglin that involved synthesizing and purifying the RAD51 protein for downstream experimentation. I am currently a student in the Master of Science in Pathology program at the University of Iowa where I perform my thesis work with Dr. Steven Offer working to identify effectors of resistance and toxicity in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Outside of lab, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, playing video games, and spending time with my wife.