Champion of Science and Community Engagement Named Chair of Biochemistry

I'm pleased to share that Jennifer A. Surtees, PhD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective July 1.

Recognized for her outstanding scientific leadership, collaborative spirit and remarkable ability to mentor and inspire, Dr. Surtees brings both scientific distinction and a genuine passion for education and community outreach to this leadership role.

An internationally recognized expert in genome stability and genetic diversity, Dr. Surtees has been a valued member of our faculty since 2007 who has purposefully integrated research, education, service and outreach. She has co-created several innovative courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In her current role as associate dean for undergraduate education and STEM outreach, she has been instrumental in raising the profile of undergraduate education in the Jacobs School, expanding access to STEM education across Western New York and shaping the next generation of scientists.

As co-director of the Genome, Environment and Microbiome (GEM) Community of Excellence, she has led initiatives to build interdisciplinary research teams and enhance genome and microbiome literacy at UB and in the Buffalo community — efforts that earned her the Jacobs School’s Community Service Award for Excellence in Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

Dr. Surtees’ groundbreaking research explores how cells maintain the integrity of their genetic material, with a focus on DNA repair, replication fidelity, and the regulation of nucleotide pools. Her lab investigates how disruptions in these processes contribute to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. She is particularly known for her work on the mismatch repair Msh2-Msh3 protein complex, which plays a key role in multiple DNA repair pathways, and for uncovering how altered levels of DNA building blocks (dNTPs) affect mutation rates and genome stability—insights that may inform future cancer therapies.

Dr. Surtees is also a prolific scholar, having authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, scholarly reviews, abstracts, and conference posters. She is a frequently invited speaker at both local and national scientific meetings, where she shares her expertise and advances in genome stability research.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she collaborated with UB colleagues and the Erie County Public Health Laboratory to sequence SARS-CoV-2 genomes, helping track variants and guide public health responses—work that continues as part of the New York State COVID Genomic Sequencing Consortium. This work was a catalyst for Dr. Surtees to assemble a broad interdisciplinary team focused on pandemic prevention through novel environmental monitors and building trust through community conversations and STEM outreach.

Dr. Surtees earned her Bachelor of Science in genetics from Western University (Ontario), and her master’s and PhD in molecular and medical genetics from the University of Toronto. She is a full professor with tenure in the Department of Biochemistry and has played a key role in launching UB’s new Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program.

She succeeds Mark R. O’Brian, PhD, who led the department with distinction for the last three decades. I extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. O’Brian for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service. I would also like to acknowledge Mark Sutton, PhD, for his valuable contributions while serving as interim chair over the past six months.

My sincere thanks also go to the search committee members for their diligent work throughout this process, especially to their chair, John C. Panepinto, PhD, professor and senior associate dean for biomedical education in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Their leadership in guiding a successful and inclusive search was invaluable.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Jennifer Surtees on this well-deserved appointment. I look forward to the continued growth and innovation of the Department of Biochemistry under her leadership.