Justin Snider, PhD
I was raised in Northern California, where I developed a strong appreciation for the outdoors through my involvement in the Boy Scouts, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at Washington State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the Medical University of South Carolina. I later earned my PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Stony Brook University.
I have over 15 years of experience in LC/MS assay development spanning lipidomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. While at Stony Brook University, I also served as Technical Director of the Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility, where I oversaw instrumentation, assay development, and collaborative research projects.
I am currently a Research Professor in Nutritional Sciences, where my work focuses on applying advanced mass spectrometry–based approaches to understand metabolic regulation and disease. I previously served as Co-Director of the Analytical Chemistry Shared Resource and have recently transitioned into the role of Director, leading the strategic growth and scientific mission of the core while supporting translational and clinical research initiatives.
Cancer Focus
Dr. Snider utilizes his expertise in mass spectrometry and chromatography towards assigning the molecular underpinnings of lipid metabolism in cancer. These pathways generate bioactive molecules that have poorly understood turnover and signaling potential. In his research, he has utilized isotopically labeled or odd chain substrates to tease apart the dynamics of de novo lipid metabolism and gained valuable insight into chemotherapeutics actions on these signaling pathways. Currently he is involved in biomarker assay development in prostate and colon cancers, employing untargeted metabolomics/lipidomics techniques to identify critically important metabolites in the progression of these diseases, and then developing quantitative assays for their analysis.