News & Events
Mary Beckerle Selected As New Leader Of Huntsman Cancer Institute
University of Utah biologist Mary Beckerle, Ph.D. has been appointed executive director of the University's Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). The announcement was made by A. Lorris Betz, M.D., Ph.D. senior vice president for health sciences, executive dean of the medical school, and ceo of University Health Care.
"Following an extensive national search, it became apparent that Dr. Beckerle has the best combination of expertise, leadership skills, national recognition, and vision to lead the Institute," said Betz. "I'm confident that she will be a highly effective and collaborative leader that the research and clinical programs of the University's Huntsman Cancer Institute will continue to flourish."
Beckerle currently serves as HCI's deputy director and senior director of laboratory research. Her research is focused on how cells move and stick together, both important to understanding how cancer spreads throughout the body. Her laboratory has discovered and characterized pathways that control these activities in normal cells and is currently exploring how these processes are disturbed in cancer.
A faculty member at the University since 1986, Beckerle is a professor of biology and adjunct professor of oncological sciences. Since 1999, she has held the Ralph E. and Willia T. Main Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. She is also the current president of the American Society of Cell Biology, an international research organization with more than 11,000 members.
Beckerle replaces Randall W. Burt, M.D. who has served as HCI's interim director since June, 2005. Beckerle's appointment is subject to the approval of the University's Board of Trustees.