Steven L. Gonias, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology

The position of Associate Director for Shared Resources (ADSR) was created to recognize both the importance and anticipated growth of these interdisciplinary research facilities, not only within the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, but also across UCSD campus. Shared resources provide expensive, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, expertise, and training that is not generally affordable for the single lab or small group of labs. Cancer Center members depend on these core labs to accurately collect and analyze data and offer technical consultation in test methods and results.

The ADSR oversees shared resource operations that support our basic laboratory research. The ADSR is responsible for developing a strategic plan for the Center’s shared resources and providing scientific and technical guidance to the laboratory-based services to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and operational cost effectiveness.

The Cancer Center presently operates 12 shared resource facilities, approved and largely funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute.  Several new shared facilities are being developed to reflect current trends in biotechnology and merging research disciplines. 

Each shared resource is responsible for devising an annual Business Plan that outlines the cores’ scientific development and projected levels of service, revenue, and expenses for the upcoming year.   The ADSR confers with the Shared Resources Coordinator and individual core directors to develop their annual plans and ultimately approve final submissions.

Specific functions of the position include:

• Representing all cores, and leading laboratory technology development within the Cancer Center;
• Educating and counseling Cancer Center members on the use of current technologies and shared resources;
• Monitoring and continually seeking to improve the performance of cores;
• Monitoring the cost effectiveness of cores as compared to other modes or sources of service;
• Determining the need for new and/or replacement equipment and seeking sources of support to acquire them.

Dr. Gonias brings a high level of expertise to this position.  He received both his M.D. and Ph.D. (with Distinction) from Duke University School of Medicine, and was subsequently awarded a National Research Service Award, a Pew Scholar Award in the Biomedical Sciences, and an NIH Research Career Development Award.  Prior to his affiliation with UCSD, he was Associate Director for Translational Oncology Research at University of Virginia Cancer Center, and Chairperson, Hemostasis and Thrombosis Study Section, NIH.  His laboratory is interested in identifying and characterizing novel pathways by which proteases and their cell-surface receptors regulate cell physiology – particularly in the function of proteases in cancer, Alzheimers disease, and cardiovascular biology. 

Reporting:  The ADSR reports to the Director of the Cancer Center. The Shared Resources Coordinator reports jointly to the ADSR and the Associate Director for Administration.