Shannon M. Hawkins, PhD, MD

Dr. Hawkins’ research laboratory focuses on benign and malignant diseases of the female reproductive tract (i.e., endometriosis, endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, and endometrial cancer) using clinical samples, genetically engineered mouse models, in vitro systems, three-dimensional tissue engineering techniques, and next-generation sequencing. MicroRNA molecules are 22-nucleotide single-stranded RNA molecules that function to repress networks of genes involved in impactful biologic functions. Dr. Hawkins and members of her laboratory study how specific microRNA molecules function in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Additionally, Dr. Hawkins’ laboratory studies the function of ARID1A in the reproductive tract and how it affects the transformation of endometriosis to ovarian cancer through unique cellular interactions in the endometriotic niche of those rare histotypes of ovarian cancer. Finally, Dr. Hawkins’ laboratory studies how Dicer, the key enzyme in microRNA processing, is important in endometrial cancer progression through aberrant processing of microRNAs. Use of clinical samples with sophisticated model systems leads to translational research products within the field of female reproduction.

Dr. Hawkins practices general obstetrics and gynecology and has a particular clinical interest in endometriosis.