Biography
Dr. Suzanne Barbour (CEOSE Chair)
Dean of the Graduate School
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
The Graduate School
Duke University
2127 Campus Drive
P.O. Box 90067
Durham, NC 27708
Term: 04/15/2024 – 06/30/2025
Suzanne E. Barbour earned a BS in Chemistry at Rutgers University (1983) and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (1990). In 1993, Suzanne was recruited to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine where she developed a research program focused on group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) and rose to the rank of Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Her research focuses on the role of iPLA2 and lipids generated downstream of the enzyme in cellular signaling, in mammalian cell models. Using genetic manipulation and lipidomics approaches, she investigates regulation of such processes as splice site selection, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation by bioactive lipids. In addition to her research, Suzanne also has a commitment to research training and diversifying the STEM workforce. While at VCU, Suzanne was Director of the biochemistry graduate program and Director of Research Training in the VCU Center for Health Disparities. In 2013, she became a Program Director in the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division of the Biological Sciences Directorate of the National Science Foundation. Suzanne moved to the University of Georgia in July 2015 where she was Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Currently, she is the Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education at Duke University. She serves on the ASBMB Education and Professional Development and Minority Affairs committees.