Biography

Teodora Georgieva, PhD, serves as Co-Director of the Experimental Mouse Shared Resource (EMSR) at the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC). In this capacity, she is responsible for providing cutting-edge gene modeling services for mice and cancer cell lines to current and prospective members of the Cancer Center. She specializes in designing customized genetic modifications using techniques such as transgenesis, gene targeting, and CRISPR/Cas9 to develop functional mouse and cell models. Georgieva collaborates closely with UACC investigators to ensure that this resource effectively aligns with the Center's scientific priorities and fosters a collaborative research environment. 
Georgieva’s research focuses on staying at the forefront of the emerging technologies in our field and continuously improving our existing methodologies. The core has demonstrated the ability to effectively generate complex modifications by utilizing long single-stranded DNA as a template for homology-directed repair in conjunction with pronuclear injections at the two-cell stage. In addition, they have incorporated Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) as a delivery vector for CRISPR/Cas9 gene modifications in both cellular and murine models, establishing it as a potent tool for advancing clinical gene therapy. These initiatives align with the mission of the Cancer Center, focusing on the development of cancer disease models and the screening of potential drugs for their treatment. 
As a Co-Director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center's Experimental Mouse Shared Resource (EMSR), Georgieva brings a wealth of expertise and a strong foundation to advance the development of groundbreaking Genetically Engineered Mouse and Cancer Cell Line models (GEMs). Her extensive experience in managing operations at the shared resource facility ensures that UACC members receive robust support for their cancer research initiatives.