December 1, 2009

Mary-Ann Bjornsti. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.D., chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, has been appointed associate director for translational research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.  

A renowned researcher on the ways science can disrupt the replication process of cancer cells to benefit patients, Bjornsti is the program co-leader for UAB's cancer cell-biology program. She holds the Newman H. Waters Chair of Clinical Pharmacology at UAB.

In her new role, Bjornsti has responsibility for linking all the cancer center's basic science and experimental therapeutics programs to a translational and interdisciplinary approach. She also will provide direction for UAB's Specialized Program of Research Excellence teams funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

"Dr. Bjornsti's leadership will help guide drug development, preclinical testing and assistance in the development of a vigorous Phase I clinical program," said Edward Partridge, M.D., cancer director. "She will serve as a valued member of the cancer center senior leadership team helping to provide advice, guidance and direction."

Bjornsti came to UAB in 2009 from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. She is a board member of the Cancer Molecular Therapeutics Research Association and has chaired one of the NCI's initial review group subcommittees.

About the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the 41 cancer centers in the nation to meet the stringent criteria for the NCI's comprehensive designation. The center is a leader in groundbreaking research, reducing cancer disparities and leading-edge patient care.