Research in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine boasts approximately $4.2 million in federal funding this past fiscal year. Partnerships with industry exceed $2.4 million in clinical trials and research activities. Charitable foundations and other entities have funded around $967,767 in research dollars. Faculty in the department are engaged as co-investigators in partnerships throughout the College of Medicine that exceed $10.3 million in both federally and privately funded grants and clinical trials.

Broadly speaking, the department's research focus has included cancer biology, digital imaging and computational biology. Specific projects include tumor microenvironment and immunopathology in urologic cancers, NSCLC as well as head and neck cancers.

Additionally, investigations are directed at the microbiome, papillomavirus and neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical faculty and residents are also engaged in correlative and translational research, providing multiple research opportunities for medical student and residents.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is committed to excellence in patient care, education, and translational and basic research, and plays a vital and integral role in the health system’s multifaceted missions.

In research, discovery and application of new information and technologies in pathology are fostered by an environment that encourages analytical thought and investigation, laboratory facilities that provide technical expertise to support research, and a wealth of clinical materials that form a rich substrate for translational investigations.