Dr. Megan Spurgeon

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Megan Spurgeon is an Assistant Professor at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research and the Department of Oncology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research focuses on tumor viruses, specifically small DNA tumor viruses such as Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and human papillomaviruses (HPVs). These viruses are implicated in approximately 15% of human cancers globally. The Spurgeon Lab investigates the interactions between these viruses and their hosts, particularly the mechanisms through which viral proteins can contribute to oncogenesis, focusing on diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and other HPV-related cancers. The lab aims to develop and apply novel preclinical models to better understand the pathogenicity and oncogenic potential of small DNA tumor viruses, while integrating knowledge from virology, cancer biology, dermatology, and cell/molecular biology.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2021-01-01 — Present

McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research • Madison, WI

Research on tumor viruses and their role in human cancers.

Requirements for University of Wisconsin–Madison

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:92
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Programming experience (Data Structures, Machine Organization) One year college-level calculus
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV/Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Computer Sciences