Home > About > Faculty Profiles > Erin M. Perchiniak, Ph.D.

Erin M. Perchiniak, Ph.D.

Erin M. Perchiniak

Associate Professor

Campus Address: 1200 N. Dupont Hwy, Mishoe Science Center, Room 150

Email: eperchiniak [at] desu.edu

Education

  • B.A., Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, 2000
  • Ph.D., Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005
  • Postdoctoral training: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Cell Biologist (p53 and apoptosis), 2007; The Ohio State University, Cell Biologist (APC and apoptosis), 2010

Research Interests

My research interests have centered on how cellular changes in signaling pathways can contribute to carcinogenesis. Recently, I have been investigating how polymorphic variants in p53, which vary in certain populations, can lead to differences in cellular responses to certain drug treatments. Additionally, I am interested in developing new avenues for undergraduates to participate in experiential learning opportunities that will train them for the workforce.

Research Expertise

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Mentoring, Teaching
  • Curriculum & Course Design
  • Project Management
  • Team Building

Consultation Expertise

My training was as a pharmacologist and cellular biologist, specifically in the area of cancer. In the last several years, I have largely focused on teaching, course and curriculum design in biology, and assessment. I have expanded this to include grant writing and program development to build a pipeline of experiential opportunities for undergraduate students in biology.

Selected Publications

  • Perchiniak EM, Fees J, Silver A. Promoting Student Success and DE&I in Experiential Education at an HBCU: STEM Lab Internship Programs. Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. 2023 November; 6.2.

  • Fees J, Perchiniak EM. Assessing Experiential Learning at an HBCU. Intersection: A journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning. 2023; 4(3).

Grants

  • NSF: REU Site: Inclusive and collaborative approach to cellular and molecular biology for undergraduate researchers at Delaware State University NSF 22-601. Funded: February 2024 (3 year), Role: Co-PI, $419,001

  • NIH: RCMI IHER Pilot Grant: “Elucidating the mechanism of altered sensitivity of African-centric p53 hypomorphic variants to MEK inhibitors.” Funded: Fall 2023 - (2 year), Role: PI, $100,000

  • NIH: NIGMS: Delaware INBRE Mentored CURE (P20 GM103446), 2019-2020, Role: PI, $25,000