Dr. Sara Cherry

Biography

Sara Cherry, Ph.D., is the John W. Eckman Professor of Medical Science at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on genetic mechanistic studies of viral-host interactions, leveraging chemical genetic screening technologies to explore how viruses interface with their hosts. The Cherry Lab performs a wide array of cell-based screens using human and insect cells to study emerging viruses, particularly those transmitted by arthropods like chikungunya and zika. By examining the role of RNA viruses in various human tissues, Cherry identifies innate antiviral defense mechanisms at the cellular level. Her work extends to understanding how dysbiosis affects susceptibility to viral infections, alongside research in precision medicine for oncology. Collaborations with UPENN's high-throughput screening core and other departments have led to significant findings related to patient tumor responses and treatment strategies. Dr. Cherry's lab includes graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior research investigators, all contributing to diverse projects aimed at elucidating viral-host dynamics and advancing therapeutic approaches.

Research Interests