Dr. Donna Senger

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dr. Senger has a long-standing interest in brain development and tumorigenesis, focusing on both pediatric and adult central nervous system (CNS) tumors. She completed her Ph.D. studies at the University of Alberta, where she identified a novel neurotrophin signaling process in sympathetic neurons under the supervision of Dr. Robert Campenot. Following her doctoral training, she underwent post-doctoral research at the McGill University Brain Tumour Center, emphasizing the survival pathways in brain tumors. Upon moving to the University of Calgary, Dr. Senger's research has concentrated on tumor-stromal interactions in highly invasive gliomas and the mechanisms involved in organ-specific cancer metastasis, alongside establishing in vivo cancer models for preclinical testing. Her research aims to characterize the molecular attributes of highly invasive tumor cells and to explore therapeutic targets within stem-like tumor populations. She is also investigating the interplay between tumor cells and the surrounding normal cells in the brain microenvironment, leveraging this interaction to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Additionally, Dr. Senger is focused on organ-specific metastasis and the role of the p75 neurotrophin receptor in glioma cell behavior, with aims to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Associate Professor

— Present

Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary • Calgary, AB, Canada

Focuses on brain cancer and the molecular characteristics of invasive tumor cells.

Requirements for University of Calgary

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
GRE General
Verbal
Required:150
Quantitative
Required:159
Analytical Writing
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:5.5
Prerequisites
4-year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent 3rd or 4th year course in Theory of Computation 3rd or 4th year course in Software Engineering 3rd or 4th year course in Systems (OS, Compilers, Networking) 3rd or 4th year course in Application (AI, Graphics, Databases)
Application Checklist
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Reference
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science Master's program. GRE scores are expected for international students.