2002 Achievement in Basic Science Award

Sofia Merajver, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology

One of the most talented and highly motivated young physician scientists at the U-M, Dr. Sofia Merajver's research program focuses on answering questions in molecular and cell biology that pertain to specific clinical problems. Her goal is to understand the fundamental processes sufficiently enough to translate these advances to the care of cancer patients. Reflecting her quantitative graduate training in Physics and her professional degree in Medicine, she employs a wide variety of rigorous basic research tools to answer questions that emanate from her experiences in the clinic.

Following her Ph.D., Dr. Merajver began her academic career as a physicist. Later, she developed a passion for medicine and medical research. She completed medical school and internal medicine residency training at the U-M where she was recognized for her potential for a successful career in academic medicine.

She then joined the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Training Program where she has excelled in two major areas of research: She studies the molecular genetics of breast cancer and has played a pivotal role in the identification and characterization of the BRCA-1 and -2 genes that are now known to target individuals who are susceptible to breast and ovarian carcinoma. Recently, Dr. Merajver has focused her attention on the identification and characterization of genes that are expressed by the most malignant forms of breast cancer, inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC). In addition, she has worked with Dr. George Brewer to develop tetrathiomolybdate, a copper depleting compound first used in the treatment of Wilson's disease, into a potent anti-cancer agent. This drug also holds promise for the treatment of a host of auto-immune inflammatory diseases. Along with her basic research, she remains an active clinician and is Director of the U-M Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Evaluation Program.

Dr. Merajver is a role model of an active translational researcher and a most worthy recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Science Research.