Education and Training:
Ph.D., Cancer Biology, Purdue University (Interdisciplinary Life Science Graduate Program, Molecular Signaling and Cancer Biology Training Group)
B.S., Chemistry with Biological Concentration, Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine (NIH-NIAID T32 Immunology and Infectious Disease Training Program)
Cancer Prevention Interdisciplinary Education Program Fellowship, Purdue University
Lynn Fellowship, Purdue University
State of Indiana Professional Educator’s License (Science 5–9)
Professional Background:
Marsha DeSmet, Ph.D., is a virologist and educator specializing in host–viral interactions, with a focus on human papillomavirus (HPV) replication and persistence. She teaches immunology and microbiology in the biomedical sciences master’s program.
Dr. DeSmet’s doctoral research at Purdue University examined cancer biology, and during her NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine, she studied post-translational modifications of the HPV E2 replicative protein. Her current research investigates R-loops in HPV replication and genome maintenance, seeking to understand how viral manipulation of host transcriptional processes contributes to persistence and oncogenesis. She also collaborates on projects involving lysine methylation of HPV proteins, host kinase signaling, and development of mouse models for viral oncogenesis.
Courses Taught:
BMS 545: Immunology
BMS 540: Medical Microbiology
Areas of Teaching Expertise:
Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, Cancer Biology
Teaching Philosophy:
Dr. DeSmet emphasizes critical thinking and data-driven inquiry. She uses case-based discussions and problem-solving exercises to connect research findings with clinical applications, helping students evaluate evidence and apply scientific reasoning to complex biomedical questions. Her goal is to prepare students to think like scientists and clinicians, capable of using evidence-based approaches in academic and professional practice.
Research Interests:
Molecular virology, HPV replication and persistence, viral oncogenesis, post-translational modifications of viral proteins, R-loop biology.
Selected Publications:
Gonzalez J., Stoll K., DeSmet M., Androphy E.J. (2025). A Conserved Cysteine in the DNA Binding Domain of MmuPV1 E2 is Required for Replication In Vivo. J Virol, 99(1):e0142324. PMID: 39665560.
Gonzalez J., DeSmet M., Androphy E.J. (2025). A Conserved Di-Lysine Motif in the E2 Transactivation Domain Regulates MmuPV1 Replication and Disease Progression. Pathogens, 14(1):84. PMID: 39861045.
Crowner A., Smith K., DeSmet M. (2024). Regulation of R-loops in DNA Tumor Viruses. Pathogens, 13(10):863.
Gonzalez J.L., Smith K., Crowner A., Androphy E.J., DeSmet M. (2024). Senataxin Mediates R-loop Resolution on HPV Episomes. J Virol, 98(8):e0100324. PMID: 39046232.
Jose L., Androphy E.J., DeSmet M. (2022). SETD6 Regulates E2-Dependent Human Papillomavirus Transcription.J Virol, 96(22):e0129522. PMID: 36300937. PMCID: PMC9682981.
Complete bibliography available via NCBI.
Committees and Professional Service:
Committee Member, Midwest Papillomavirus and Polyomavirus Meeting (2025–present)
Member, American Society for Microbiology (ASM) (2020–present)
Member, Center for HPV Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (2014–present)
Personal:
Outside of academia, Dr. DeSmet is a proud mother. Together, Dr. DeSmet and her son enjoy playing video games and taking walks outdoors. She also teaches Sunday school classes and finds joy in mentoring children.
