Dr. Claude E. Gagna
Molecular Biologist, DNA Artist
Claude Gagna is a DNA-based bio artist and writes poems about DNA, society and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Gagna is also a tenured professor, inventor and research scientist who specializes in characterizing the structure and function of canonical (B-DNA), alternative (Z-DNA) and multistranded (quadruplex DNA) DNA and RNA structures in normal and diseased tissues; currently focusing on the development of next generation DNA and RNA microarrays, and novel "omics" methods, i.e., spatial genomics (e.g., Genomesorganizomics and Structural Spatial Transcriptomics). Inventing AI-based pathological algorithms for clinical use. Teaching undergraduate, graduate and medical students the anatomical sciences and molecular biological based research courses. Authoring undergraduate biology laboratory manuals. Actively involved in STEM-based teaching.
Skills
Fusion of Science and Art
Biological Art
DNA Cancer-based Research
Experiences
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) - Professor, Research Scientist, Inventor, Author
1999-Present (25 years)
Scientist who performs molecular biological research on the structure and function of conventional (e.g., B-DNA), alternative (e.g., Z-DNA,) and multistranded (e.g., triplex DNA, quadruplex DNA) nucleic acid structures in normal and diseased tissue (e.g., eye and skin). Researching the molecular biology of human melanoma and cataracts. Spatial genomics: first time demonstration of three different DNA structures, simultaneously, in a human cell. Investigating the roles of Z-DNA in cell death [terminal differentiation (denucleation)], DNA repair, cancer, and xeroderma pigmentosum. DNA and RNA nanotechnologist developing the next generation of DNA and RNA microarrays (i.e., alternative and multistranded DNA and RNA microarrays). Developing novel genomic, proteomic, chemogenomic and chemoproteomic methods. Professor teaching undergraduate, graduate and medical students, namely, human gross anatomy, comparative anatomy, histology, embryology, pathophysiology, and Biomedical Research. Author publishing biology laboratory manuals in undergraduate education.
NYIT - Team Member: NYIT Center for Cancer Research
2023-Present (2 years)
New York Institute of Technology's Center for Cancer Research: Team Member: DNA microarray development and spatial genomics.
Rutgers NJ Medical School - Adjunct Assistant Prof (Dept. of Pathology and Lab Med.), & Adjunct Assoc. Prof. (Dept. of Medicine)
1994-Present (30 Years)
Adjunct Assistant Professor (Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine), and Adjunct Associate Professor [Department of Medicine (Dermatology)] at Rutgers University - New Jersey Medical School.
Education
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School: Post Doctoral Training - Department Ophthalmolog
1994-1997
New York University: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Human Gross Anatomy, and Biochemistry (Molecular Biology)
2008-2011
Saint Peter's University:Bachelor's Degree, Biology, and Natural Sciences
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus: Master's Degree, Human Anatomy, and Genetic Engineering
UMDNJ - Medical School: Post Doctoral Training, Human Physiology
Licenses and Certifications
FSB (i.e., Fellow Society of Biology):
Society of Biology, London, England
Issued Jan 2013
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
MRSC Member Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK
Issued Feb 1994 · Expires Feb 2030
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
Certified Professional Chemist (CPC)
The American Institute of Chemists, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
Issued Jan 1994 · Expired Jan 1997
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
CChem FRSC -(i.e., Chartered Chemist. Fellow Royal Society of Chemistry):
The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK
Issued Jan 1994
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
CPC (i.e., Certified Professional Chemist):
American Institute of Chemists, Bethesda, MD
Issued Jan 1994
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
ChE (i.e., Chartered Chemical Engineer: Class–Member):
American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, NY
Issued Jan 1994
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
FAIC (i.e., Fellow American Institute of Chemists):
The American Institute of Chemists, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
Issued Jan 1990
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
Society of Biology, London, England
Issued Jan 2013
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
MRSC Member Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK
Issued Feb 1994 · Expires Feb 2030
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
Certified Professional Chemist (CPC)
The American Institute of Chemists, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
Issued Jan 1994 · Expired Jan 1997
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
CChem FRSC -(i.e., Chartered Chemist. Fellow Royal Society of Chemistry):
The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK
Issued Jan 1994
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
CPC (i.e., Certified Professional Chemist):
American Institute of Chemists, Bethesda, MD
Issued Jan 1994
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
ChE (i.e., Chartered Chemical Engineer: Class–Member):
American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, NY
Issued Jan 1994
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
FAIC (i.e., Fellow American Institute of Chemists):
The American Institute of Chemists, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
Issued Jan 1990
Credential ID PROFESSIONAL POSTNOMINAL TITLES BESTOWED BY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP