PhD
Professor, Pathology & Lab Medicine
Co-associate Director, Cancer Research Training Education Coordination
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Genetics Research Program
Area of Interest
Dr. Weissman’s research focuses upon the role of activation of the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in the initiation and progression of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, lung, and skin. Activating mutations of the NFE2L2 (NRF2) transcription factor occur frequently in these cancers leading to enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and to standard cancer treatments such as, radiation and immunotherapy. Therefore, his group has generated novel genetically engineered mouse models of these cancers to investigate how activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway impacts their initiation, progression, and metastasis. Through a long-term collaboration with Dr. Ben Major’s laboratory, his group has is currently characterizing novel NRF2 inhibitors in these preclinical mouse models to determine their efficacy for the treatment of these cancers. Dr. Weissman received the Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine in 1980, completed postdoctoral studies at the National Cancer Institute in 1983, and then joined the faculty of the University of Southern California. He moved to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989 where he currently serves as Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, as the Director of Postdoctoral Studies for the UNC Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, and as the Associate Co-Director of Education and Training for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Awards and Honors
- Journal of Pathology Jeremy Jass Prize for Research Excellence in Pathology, 2016
- Joe Grisham Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2002
- Procter and Gamble University Exploratory Research Program Grant, 1986
News and Stories
Trainee Research Day celebrates 50 years of science, honors top research
The 50th annual UNC Lineberger Trainee Research Day bought together graduate students and postdoctoral research associates to share their work with peers and faculty, and to hear valuable career advice from former postdoctoral fellows.
Making virtual a reality: Online cancer course students, faculty come together for tours and talks
UNC Lineberger hosted students from NCCU and NC A&T who were enrolled in an online course about career and academic opportunities in cancer care and research.
