Jerrica L Breindel

Jerrica Breindel, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences. She graduated with Bachelors of Arts in Biology and Mathematics from Clark University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Experimental Pathology from Yale University. She then completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Tufts University studying mammary gland development and breast cancer progression. At Quinnipiac, she uses hands-on experiences and active learning techniques to teach Immunology Lab (BMS 522L), Research Methods (BMS 502), Fundamentals of Oncology (BMS 564), and Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Therapies (BMS 364).

The Breindel lab researches how changes that occur in the mammary gland during normal developmental stages, such as pregnancy, can influence cancer progression later in life. Students in the lab are trained in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, which allow them to pursue independent projects investigating the regulation of mammary cell identity. Alterations in identity regulation can ultimately lead to formation of different subtypes of breast cancers that have different prognoses and treatment options. Students are welcome to join the lab for an extracurricular experience, for an independent study, or for a graduate thesis project.