Dr. Sarah Spiegel stands as a distinguished leader in the field of molecular biochemistry, currently serving as Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She joined VCU in 2002 to assume leadership of the Department of Biochemistry, bringing extensive expertise developed through prior academic appointments at Georgetown University School of Medicine where she served as assistant professor, associate professor, and director of the graduate program. Since 2005, she has also directed the Cancer Cell Biology Program at the VCU Massey Cancer Center, demonstrating her commitment to translational research with clinical impact. Dr. Spiegel earned her PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science and has cultivated a distinguished career spanning multiple prestigious academic institutions. Her leadership extends beyond administrative responsibilities to encompass dedicated mentorship of the next generation of scientists.
Dr. Spiegel's groundbreaking scientific contribution came in the mid-1990s with her discovery of the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) molecule, a lipid signaling compound that has proven fundamental to understanding cancer progression, inflammatory responses, and cardiovascular disease mechanisms. Her extensive research portfolio includes nearly 60 NIH-funded grants across multiple disciplines, reflecting the significance and breadth of her scientific inquiries. With over 260 peer-reviewed publications, 227 books, chapters, and reviews to her name, Dr. Spiegel has established herself as a prolific contributor to the biochemical literature. Her innovative work has resulted in seven US Patents, demonstrating the translational potential of her discoveries from bench to potential therapeutic applications. The identification of S1P as a critical signaling molecule has catalyzed an entire field of research that continues to yield insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Beyond her research accomplishments, Dr. Spiegel has earned recognition through numerous prestigious awards including the 2007 VCU WISDM Professional Achievement Award, the 2007 VCU Distinguished Scholarship Award, and the 2008 Virginia Outstanding Scientist of the Year Award. In 2009, she received the Avanti Award in Lipids, and in 2021 was named to the inaugural class of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology fellows, cementing her status as a leader in her field. Dr. Spiegel's commitment to mentorship is evident in her formal guidance of 73 pre- and post-doctoral students, with colleagues noting her exceptional approach to helping trainees develop independent problem-solving skills. She has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Lipid Research for over a decade and previously contributed to the Journal of Biological Chemistry editorial board from 2010 to 2018. Her enduring influence continues to shape both the scientific understanding of lipid signaling pathways and the development of future generations of biochemists.
