Dr. Raquel Sitcheran
A.B., Columbia University, NY
Ph.D. UCSF
Postdoctoral: UNC Chapel Hill
“My lab uses interdisciplinary approaches (genetic, cellular, molecular and biochemical) to investigate how brain cancer cells adapt and grow in continuously changing, and often harsh, extracellular environments (e.g. lack of oxygen and/or nutrients). One of our main areas of focus is elucidating how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to altered cancer cell metabolism in response these stresses. Ultimately, we hope to be able to manipulate and control cancer cells in such a way that they no longer can grow uncontrollably, invade healthy tissues, or become resistant to therapies.”
Research Specialties
Medical Genetics- Human and Animal
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Genetics
How long have you been a faculty member at Texas A&M?
I am starting my 10th year at Texas A&M!
What made you choose to join the A&M faculty?
My husband and I both had excellent job offers here and we felt that A&M would be a great place for us to develop our research programs, even though we study very different things—I’m primarily a cancer biologist and he is a neuroscientist.
How would you describe the atmosphere of the Genetics program with regard to collegiality (between students, students and faculty, faculty and faculty, etc…)?
The Genetics program feels like one big family – I love the camaraderie of the GGSA students and the dedication of faculty and staff to the success of the program.
Fun Facts:
When I am not in the lab, I am…
Reading, sleeping, or trying to convince myself to go on a run.
My favorite restaurant in College Station is?
It’s impossible to choose just one! I’ll go with First Watch and Veritas in College Station. In Bryan, I love The Village Café and Ronin.
What is the most gratifying aspect about mentoring graduate students?
Learning from the students – each one has something unique to teach me about being a mentor. Also, students become the foremost experts in their project and its gratifying to see them grow and develop into independent scientists.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I know all the words to a ridiculous number of 70’s and 80’s songs.