Biography
Cooper earned a B.S. in Biology (1984) from South Dakota State University, a M.S. in Biology (2001) from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2006) from the University of New Mexico.
Personal Statement
Cooper specializes in toxicity of metals, combinations of metals and in combination with DNA damaging agents in a variety of cells types (lung, keratinocytes, melanocytes and kidney cells) and animal models. Specific interests are in mechanisms of the inhibition of DNA damage repair by these environmental toxicants. She completed her dissertation research in Laurie Hudson’s lab and continued as a contributing lab member during her post-doctoral training and currently as a Research Assistant Professor. She is currently investigating the disruption of zinc finger containing DNA repair enzymes by arsenic, uranium, and other environmentally relevant metals and the potential intervention by dietary zinc.
Areas of Specialty
Environmental heavy metals
DNA damage
Oxidative stress
Education
PhD, University of New Mexico, 2006 (Biomedical Sciences)
MS, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 2001 (Biology)
BS, South Dakota State University, 1984 (Biology)
Achievements & Awards
Society of Toxicology, Member and Secretary/Treasurer of Mountain West Chapter
Member Society of Toxicology (2002-2022)
Key Publications
Journal Article
Journal Article
Journal Article
Journal Article
Languages
- German