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About Suzanne Deschênes

Suzanne Deschênes, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Sacred Heart University.

Dr. Deschenes’ research aims to use an in vitro cellular model to better understand how mammalian skeletal muscle is involved in glucose uptake and whether certain endocannabinoids and capsaicin analogs can stimulate differentiation. Specifically, this project has 2 main goals: 1) characterizing the impact of the endocannabinoid anandamide on cell signaling and glucose uptake in a well-known cell culture model, mouse skeletal myoblasts (C2C12 cells), and 2) evaluating the influence of natural or synthetic capsaicin analogs and anandamide on C2C12 differentiation. The hope is that the results of this research eventually will lead to the identification of new ways to treat human metabolic and muscle diseases.

Professor Deschênes is a past Director of the Thomas More Honors Program.

Positions

Present Associate Professor Biology, Sacred Heart University Biology Department, College of Arts & Sciences
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Disciplines


Research Interests


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Honors and Awards

  • NIH National Research Service Award - Postdoctoral Fellowship (1998-2001)
  • Recipient of NIH Cell & Molecular Biology Training Grant Award (1990-1992)
  • Crompton Gold Medal (best biology research paper), College of the Holy Cross (1990)
  • New England Consortium for Undergraduate Science Education Fellowship (1989)
  • Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2008-2009)
  • Sacred Heart University Academics for Creative Teaching Grant (2006-2007)
  • Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2004-2005)
  • Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2003-2004)
  • Sacred Heart University Research and Creativity Grant (2014-2015)

Courses

  • BI299 – Cancer Biology
  • BI235 – Principles of Biotechnology
  • BI335 – Topics in Genetics
  • BI399 – Senior Seminar
  • BI111/113 – Concepts in Biology I
  • BI112/114 – Concepts in Biology II
  • BICC103 – The Human Journey: Scientific Discovery

Education

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1997 - 2001 Post-Doctoral Associate, Oregon Health & Science University ‐ Molecular & Medical Genetics, Laboratory of R. Michael Liskay
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1997 Ph.D. Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania
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1990 A.B. Biology, College of the Holy Cross
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Contact Information

Biology
Science Ctr of Academic Bldg SC*234U
College of Arts and Sciences
203-371-7785

Email:


Articles (12)