Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, has joined the UTSW Kidney Cancer Program (KCP) leadership team as the inaugural Co-Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. A collaborating researcher, Dr. Sorrell has been actively involved with the KCP SPORE, serving as Co-Director of the Career Enhancement Program. In her new leadership role, she will help promote inclusion and diversity by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
“Inclusiveness is not accomplished through the efforts of one person,” said Dr. Sorrell. “It requires all of us. My hope in this new role is to collaboratively map out and develop strategies that embody UTSW’s rich tradition of innovation and teamwork so that everyone who partners with the Program feels a deep sense of belonging.”
The recruitment and career advancement of faculty, postdocs, and residents of diverse backgrounds is a key aspect of the KCP. SPORE funds provide support to junior and mid-career investigators for projects related to kidney cancer research. The Program also provides feedback and resources to help foster success and project continuity. Dr. Sorrell, herself a recipient of a SPORE career award, will further enhance these efforts to advance a community where all feel safe, included, and stimulated to discuss scientific ideas and discoveries.
“We strive for equity and diversity, and the creation of a leadership post tasked with these objectives will further this goal. We are excited for Mara to take on this new role,” said KCP Director Dr. James Brugarolas. “Her background as a scholar, scientist, and campus leader makes her an outstanding candidate. Her data-driven approach, ability to cultivate support in both the campus and wider communities and expertise in developing and implementing best practices will greatly benefit the Program.”
Active with numerous campus organizations, Dr. Sorrell currently serves as Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Cell Biology and Chair of the Graduate School Admissions Committee.
Dr. Sorrell earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the lab of Dr. Robert Eisenman at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Dr. Sorrel’s Lab studies molecular mechanisms regulating nutrient uptake and biomass production in cancer cells. Her research particularly focuses on characterizing key regulators of aberrant nucleolar size and activity in kidney cancer cells with the goal of identifying novel drug targets.
