Assistant Professor, Biology, College of Engineering & Science
2014
Bio:
Dr. Jacob Kagey joined the Biology Department at University of Detroit Mercy in 2011. In his four years at UDM, he has emerged as an exceptional faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching, research, and service.
As a sought-after professor, Dr. Kagey has taught many courses within the Biology Department, including Genetics, Genetics Laboratory, Human Genetics, Undergraduate Journal Club, Senior Seminar, Environmental Science, Science of Life, Introduction to Biology I Laboratory, and Introduction to Biology II. His students frequently comment on his “passion for teaching” and “ability to inspire” while “challenging” their minds.
Dr. Kagey’s cutting edge research focuses on modeling tumor development in fruit flies. He engages undergraduate students as they utilize fruit flies to identify new genes associated with human cancers. Since humans and fruit flies have so many common genes, fruit flies serve as a rapid and inexpensive model to explore the origins of cancer development. Dr. Kagey has published his work in peer-reviewed journals on the genetic origins of cancer development. His hope is that this work will lead to the identification of new therapeutic or diagnostic markers in humans.
Dr. Kagey has expended great effort and has tirelessly served at UDM. He guides the lives of his students as academic advisor for the seven-year dental program and serves as a faculty mentor for the Biology Club. His committee work includes service on the McNichols Faculty Assembly (MFA), College of Engineering & Science Student Affairs Committee, and as a Pre-Health Advisor. In the community, Kagey is actively involved in serving on the editorial board of the Journal of Cytology and Molecular Biology. He has also helped in the development and implementation of an after-school STEM club at Sabbath Middle School.
Dr. Kagey has made great contributions to his students, his colleagues, his department and the University through his unwavering efforts, commitment and dedication.
Dr. Kagey was presented by Gary Kulick, Dean, College of Engineering & Science and the Faculty Achievement Award was presented by Pamela Zarkowski, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs University of Detroit Mercy on November 14, 2014.