Research Interests: Role of genetic variation (such as SNPs and CNVs) and somatic mutations in nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of cancer patients and their relation to treatment response (pharmacogenetic) and clinical outcomes; bioinformatics applications; and establishment of biological databases

Education:  

1999-1995: Ph.D. (Molecular Biology and Genetics), Bogazici University, Turkey

1995-1994: M.Sc. (Biology), Bogazici University, Turkey

1994-1989: B.Sc. (Biology), Bogazici University, Turkey

Professional Experience: 

2014 – present: Associate Professor, Discipline of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

2008 – 2014: Assistant Professor, Discipline of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

2008: Research Associate, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada

2006 – 2008: Research Associate, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada

2002 – 2006: Post-doctoral fellow, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada

1999 – 2002: Post-doctoral fellow, Louisiana State University, USA

Cross-Appointments

Discipline of Oncology
 

Research: 

Dr. Savas is interested in identifying the genetic determinants of clinically important outcomes (treatment response and toxicity, recurrence and death) in cancer patients. Her research involves collaborations with other local, national and international scientists and currently focuses on colorectal cancer.

Group members: 

Salem Werdyani (MSc candidate)

Michelle Penney (MSc candidate)

Georgia Skardasi (Research Assistant)

Current Financial Support: 

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador

Colon Cancer Canada 

Medical Research Foundation (Faculty of Medicine)