Paige Ladowitz
Paige Ladowitz is a dedicated scientific researcher currently contributing to groundbreaking studies in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. A 2025 graduate of Duquesne University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, Paige focused on Molecular Biology with minors in Mathematics and Biochemistry, and completed a defended Biological Honors Thesis. During her undergraduate years, she conducted independent research on bacterial cell division in the McCormick Molecular Genetics Lab, authored publications, and presented her findings at national conferences including NCUR and the Beta Beta Beta National Research Conference. She also gained experience in clinical trials addressing HIV/AIDS and gastrointestinal infections, bridging basic science with translational research.
Beyond her research, Paige has shown strong leadership and mentorship skills. She held leadership roles in Alpha Omicron Pi, the Health Professions Society, and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and worked as a tutor at Duquesne University, guiding students from first-year undergraduates to post-baccalaureate learners in STEM subjects. Her commitment to community engagement extended to volunteering in hospital and educational settings, reflecting a holistic approach to science and service.
Currently, Paige applies her expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry in the Gittes Laboratory, building on prior work in the Storkus Laboratory on cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. She is passionate about pursuing collaborative opportunities in both academic and industrial research, with long-term goals of earning a PhD and contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries. Paige’s combination of rigorous research experience, leadership, and dedication to community makes her a rising talent in the biomedical sciences.
• American society of Chemistry
• Duquesne University- Bachelor's
• American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Beta Beta Beta
• Circle K (the International Service Organization)
• Omicron Delta Kappa
• The Health Professions Society at Duquesne
• Alpha Omicron Pi
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong love of science that started with a chemistry set my mom gave me as a child. That passion led me through a strong education at Duquesne University and ultimately to a career in research, where I work with animal models to study diabetes and pancreatic cancer, striving to make meaningful breakthroughs.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to take every opportunity that comes my way and make the most of it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, and it’s important to share that message widely.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is advancing research to find a cure for diabetes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are creativity, discipline, and a love for teaching, as reflected in my background as a competitive dancer and dance instructor, along with compassion and care for animals.