Dr. Lynn Matrisian is a distinguished leader in cancer biology and patient advocacy, currently serving as Chief Science Advisor at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. With more than a decade of dedicated service to the organization, she brings extensive scientific expertise cultivated over a career spanning three decades in cancer research and academic medicine. Dr. Matrisian earned her PhD in molecular biology from the University of Arizona and later complemented her scientific training with an MBA from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management. Prior to joining PanCAN in 2012, she established herself as a prominent figure in academic medicine, founding and chairing the Department of Cancer Biology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Her leadership extended to the national stage where she served as President of the American Association for Cancer Research and as a special assistant to the director of the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Matrisian's pioneering research career spanned 25 years leading a laboratory dedicated to understanding cancer metastasis mechanisms, resulting in more than 250 original scientific publications that have significantly advanced the field. Her work has been instrumental in elucidating the molecular pathways of cancer progression, providing crucial insights that have informed therapeutic development for pancreatic and other cancers. As a dedicated mentor, she has trained more than 30 young scientists who have gone on to make significant contributions across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and government sectors. Her scientific leadership and distinguished contributions to cancer biology were recognized with her election to the AACR Academy and her designation as a 2023 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a prestigious lifetime achievement honor within the scientific community.
Beyond her laboratory research, Dr. Matrisian has become a powerful advocate for pancreatic cancer patients, leveraging her scientific expertise to drive meaningful change in research funding, policy, and clinical trial access. Her transition from academic research to patient advocacy represents a strategic shift toward ensuring scientific discoveries directly benefit those affected by cancer, embodying the translational research continuum from bench to bedside. As a highly regarded public speaker, she regularly addresses national audiences on PanCAN's mission and the critical need for increased pancreatic cancer research investment. Dr. Matrisian continues to shape the pancreatic cancer research landscape through strategic scientific initiatives that accelerate progress toward early detection methods and more effective treatments. Her ongoing work remains focused on creating a brighter future for pancreatic cancer patients through innovative research strategies and collaborative scientific partnerships that unite researchers, clinicians, and patients in a shared mission.
