Kathleen Goss, PhD
Senior Scientific Director
Career Growth & Research Excellence
Why I Work at ACS
I lost my dad to glioblastoma when I was in college. It changed everything, including my career trajectory, and I decided to pursue cancer research. After volunteering for the American Cancer Society (ACS) for nearly 20 years when I was a researcher and cancer center administrator, I decided to join the organization to make a broader impact. My dad - and the countless others I know and love who are touched by cancer - continue to serve as motivation for everything I do. It's a privilege to support our research mission and the careers of our best and brightest investigators."
At ACS since 2021
As Senior Scientific Director of Extramural Discovery Science, Kathleen Goss, PhD, oversees the Extramural Discovery Science Career Growth & Research Excellence program's development, peer review, and grant management.
Before joining the Extramural Discovery Science Team in June 2024, Goss served as the ACS Regional Vice President for Cancer Control for the former North Central Region and, most recently, as Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Capacity Building in Patient Support. In these roles, she led multi-level engagement of stakeholders to support cancer patients and their families in their journeys across the care continuum, as well as support for caregivers, health care professionals, and communities.
Research focus and accomplishments
Goss' academic research interests centered on the molecular mechanisms of colorectal and breast cancer with a particular focus on the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor and Wnt signaling pathway. She has published more than 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and review articles.
After leading a research program for 10 years, Goss held cancer center administration roles for 8 years where she had oversight for the center's NCI Cancer Center Support Grant, supported research efforts for more than 220 faculty, and developed several cancer research training programs for high school and undergraduate students.
Publications
For a complete list of Dr. Goss' publications, visit her Google Scholar page.
Contact
- kathleen.goss@cancer.org
- 815-258-1174
Work Before ACS
- University of Cincinnati, Assistant Professor
- University of Chicago, Assistant Professor
- University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Associate Director for Administration
Professional Organizations
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Member
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Member
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: Human Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Cincinnati, 1997-2002
- PhD: Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, 1992-1997
- BA: Chemistry, College of Wooster, 1988-1992
Personal
I live in the Chicago area with my husband, golden retriever, cat, and occasionally, our daughter Hannah and son Casey, both in their 20s. I enjoy gardening, kayaking, traveling, and sports of all kinds, but especially the Chicago Blackhawks and White Sox.
