Dr. Karen Vasquez

Professor

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Biography

Karen Vasquez is a Division Head and Professor at the College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, where she holds the Jaime N. Delgado Endowed Chair. Her research primarily focuses on DNA damage repair, genomic instability, gene targeting, and cancer therapeutics. Vasquez's work emphasizes the role of non-canonical DNA structures in genomic instability and cancer etiology, including detailed studies of H-DNA and its mutagenic properties in relation to human diseases such as Burkitt’s lymphoma. She aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms of DNA damage recognition and repair, as defects in these systems are implicated in a large percentage of human cancers. Additionally, her laboratory is developing innovative strategies using triplex technology to enhance gene targeting in living organisms, which could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for treating cancer. Karen has extensive academic appointments and has published significantly in her field, contributing to understanding the interplay between DNA structure and cancer development.

Research Interests

Experience

Division Head

2011-01-01 — Present

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

Leading the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, overseeing academic and research initiatives.

Adjunct Professor

— Present

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center • Smithville, TX

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis.

Associate Professor

2006-01-01 — 2011-01-01

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center • Smithville, TX

Conducted research on molecular mechanisms of DNA damage and repair.

Assistant Professor

2001-01-01 — 2006-01-01

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center • Smithville, TX

Engaged in research and academic instruction in molecular biochemistry.

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.