Karen Heichman, PhD, is a research assistant professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah. At Huntsman Cancer Institute, she is an investigator; member of the Cancer Center Support Grant's Molecular Imaging, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics Program; oversees the Cancer Center's Shared Resources; and is director of the Cancer Systems Biology and Resources.

For several years, Heichman's research interests have centered on identifying and validating new molecular targets that may be used in diagnosing and treating disease. Consistent with this emphasis, her work at Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on discovering innovative targets that show promise in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Heichman's experimental strategy, which is based on years of experience in the biotechnology industry, uses a systems biology approach. Starting with genes or protein products of interest to investigators, Heichman surveys various types of publicly available, experimentally derived information that pertains to these genes of interest, and then integrates information into the Cancer Systems Biology and Resources. The resource reveals biological networks and pathways that may include potential targets for new cancer drugs. It also enables Heichman to identify collaboration opportunities between physicians and scientists. Her goals as director of this resource also involve coordinating with other core facilities, with bioinformatics playing an increasingly vital role.

Heichman received her doctoral degree from the Department of Biological Chemistry at UCLA Medical School. She completed postdoctoral training at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington.