Santina Snow, PhD
Senior Associate Scientist
Biochemistry and Immunology of Cancer
Why I Work at ACS
My grandmother passed away from multiple myeloma in 2001. Her passing had a profound impact on my pursuit of a career in cancer biology. After years of work at a laboratory bench, I came to ACS because of their vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. I enjoy supporting researchers from across the country with their exciting and innovative research.”
At ACS since 2024
Santina Snow, PhD, is a senior associate scientist for Extramural Discovery Science, managing the American Cancer Society (ACS) Biochemistry and Immunology of Cancer Program. She is responsible for coordinating the peer review process for basic, fundamental biology proposals related to DNA damage, genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, cell signaling, and tumor immunology. And, she manages a large portfolio of in-process biochemistry and immunology research grants.
Snow also assists in managing the Mission Boost Grant Program, which supports translational research projects that move into human testing.
Research focus and accomplishments
Prior to joining ACS, Snow worked at a laboratory bench for 12 years, publishing first-author, peer reviewed articles from each research experience. Her research career started as an undergraduate research assistant studying changes in gene expression during the life cycle of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi.
Next, using the model organism C. elegans, Snow researched how dietary restriction and in turn, low levels of protein synthesis, can delay aging and the onset of age-related diseases.
Snow transitioned into her lifelong passion for cancer biology during her graduate research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her doctoral research focused on determining whether molecular differences of colorectal polyps and cancers led to disparities in lesion development, progression, and treatment. To do so, she developed in vivo models of colorectal cancers and collaborated with clinicians to study unique human samples.
Over the years, Snow has been highly active with teaching and mentoring young scientists. One of her favorite teaching opportunities was being invited annually to instruct laboratory-based workshop sessions at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Publications
For a full list of Dr. Snow’s publications, visit her Google Scholar page.
Contact
- santina.snow@cancer.org
- 608-709-0886
Work Before ACS
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, Graduate Research Assistant
- MDI Biological Laboratory, Research Assistant
- Bates College, Research Assistant
Professional Organizations
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- Graduate Women in Science (GWIS)
Education
- PhD: Cancer Biology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2018-2024
- BS: Biological Chemistry, Bates College, 2010-2014
Personal
I live in a small town near Madison, WI. I enjoy volunteering as a farmhand at Hinchley's Dairy Farm, hiking, gardening, and taking my rescue dog, Harbor, on road trips to visit my family in Maine.
