Dr. Gabriel Villares Dr. Gabriel Villares Associate Professor; Director of HPAC
Biology
713/525-3167


Dr. Villares teaches a wide array of upper and lower division courses including Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, Basic Lab Techniques in Biology, Physiology, Comparative Anatomy and lab, Research Methods in Biological Investigations, and Cancer Biology. His research focus is on cancer biology, specifically looking at the molecular mechanisms of melanoma metastasis. Dr. Villares collaborates with MD Anderson Cancer Center looking at the effects of specific microRNAs that potentially regulate genes known to be involved in melanoma progression. He also collaborates with Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico to identify pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment triggered by adrenergic stimulation (release of stress hormones) that may increase melanoma progression and metastasis.

Degrees

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Cancer Biology - University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (2009)
  • Bachelor of Science - Biology - Saint Michael's College (1999)

Honors and Awards

  • Fellowship - Bob Smith Research Fellowship, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2004-2008
  • Honor - Minority Scholar Award in Cancer Research, American Association of Cancer Research, 2007-2009

Language Skills

  • English
  • Spanish
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