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Dimitar Kunnev, Ph.D., is a Research Scientist deeply committed to student mentorship and active learning in the biological sciences. Building on more than two decades of research experience at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University at Buffalo, he specializes in molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer genetics, and stem cell differentiation. Combining expertise in advanced laboratory techniques and modern pedagogical design, Dr. Kunnev connects core ³¦´Ç²Ô³¦±ð±è³Ù²õ—s³Ü³¦³ó as DNA replication licensing, cell cycle checkpoints, and genome ²õ³Ù²¹²ú¾±±ô¾±³Ù²â—t´Ç real-world clinical applications in oncology and aging.

Throughout his career at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University at Buffalo, Dr. Kunnev has maintained a steadfast commitment to biomedical and preclinical medical education. As Co-Instructor for Oncology for Scientists and a dedicated mentor to more than 20 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, he specializes in translating complex biological systems into structured, step-by-step competencies. Holding a Post-Doctoral Teaching & Learning Certification from the University at Buffalo, Dr. Kunnev integrates active-learning strategies, formative assessments, and high-yield, case-based instruction to align with integrated biomedical, physiological, and clinical board standards.

• Post-Doctoral Scholars Teaching & Learning Certification, University at Buffalo
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 
• B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Honors), University of Sofia
   

• Research Scientist, Department of Oral Biology, University at Buffalo (2020–2026) 
• Senior Ph.D. Research Scientist, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (2009–2020) 
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (2003–2009)
• Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (2001–2003) 
• Young Scientists Research Grant, Bulgarian National Science Fund

• Genetics & Cancer Biology: DNA replication stress, cell cycle regulation (e.g., p27/CDKN1B), gene regulatory networks, and tumor suppressor functions in cancer. 
• Aging and Tissue maintenance: Links between cellular proliferation, genome stability and aging.  
• Functional Genomics & Biotechnology: iPSC modeling, CRISPR/Cas9 editing and gene expression reporter systems. 
• Tissue & Cell Biology: Cellular mechanisms governing tissue homeostasis, organoid 3D models, and progenitor cell specifications.

• Pruitt, S. C., Bailey, K. J., & Kunnev, D. (2017). A signature of genomic instability resulting from deficient replication licensing. PLoS Genetics, 13(2), e1006588.  
• Kunnev, D., & Pruitt, S. C. (2015). Isolation and sequencing of active origins of DNA replication by nascent strand capture and release (NSCR). Journal of Biological Methods, 2(3), e27.  
• Kunnev, D., Wang, X., & Pruitt, S. C. (2015). Effect of minichromosome maintenance protein 2 deficiency on the locations of DNA replication origins. Genome Research, 25(4), 558–569.  
• Pruitt, S. C., Freeland, A., Rusiniak, M. E., & Kunnev, D. (2013). Cdkn1b overexpression alters the balance between genome and tissue ageing. Nature Communications, 4, 2678.  
• Kunnev, D., Rusiniak, M. E., Kudla, A., Freeland, A., Cady, G. K., & Pruitt, S. C. (2010). DNA damage response and tumorigenesis in Mcm2-deficient mice. Oncogene, 29(25), 3630–3638.  
• Masih, P. J., Kunnev, D., & Melendy, T. (2008). Mismatch repair proteins are recruited to replicating DNA through interaction with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Nucleic Acids Research, 36(3), 697–705.