Carrie Franzen, PhD

Carrie Ann Franzen, PhD

Welcome to my website!

I earned my PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2006 and have since dedicated over 20 years to cancer research, specializing in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. My work has centered on tumor-microenvironment interactions, and I also have experience in immunology research related to celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.

Beyond research, I have extensive leadership experience, having managed the daily operations of a CAP-accredited biorepository and led teams of up to seven personnel. My expertise spans translational research, cell imaging, cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions, SOP development, and ensuring CAP compliance. I am passionate about advancing scientific discovery and optimizing research operations.

In addition to my scientific career, I have been a private tutor for 20 years, specializing in college test prep. My goal is not only to help students excel academically but also to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Feel free to explore my site to learn more about my work and interests!

Awards and Professional Honors

WyzAnt profile

Research Awards:

American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2010-2012

Award for best oral presentation at the Northwestern University Department of Pathology retreat, 2010

Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA), 2006-2007

First place winner of the UIC College of Medicine student research forum, 2006

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Tutoring Awards:

Five star rating, based on 108 reviews, on WyzAnt

From Bench to Breakthroughs: My Research Highlights

Elucidating Mechanisms of CLL Disease Persistence – Used time-lapse confocal microscopy and advanced image analysis (ImageJ, Imaris) to demonstrate how live CLL cells reside within bone marrow fibroblasts, shedding light on mechanisms of residual disease persistence.
Targeting Tumor-Stroma Interactions in CLL – Investigated the effects of FDA-approved therapies (Ibrutinib, Venetoclax) on CLL-stroma interactions using an ex vivo co-culture model and time-lapse microscopy, revealing their distinct effects on CLL subpopulations and implications for disease eradication.
Advancing Exosome Research – Developed and optimized protocols for exosome isolation, quantification, and uptake analysis from both cell lines and patient-derived samples, leveraging Amnis ImageStreamX technology for novel insights.
Bioflavonoid Apigenin in Prostate Cancer – Identified apigenin’s ability to regulate prostate cancer cell attachment, migration, and invasion through an integrin alpha-1 dependent pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.