Frank Waltrich, Ph.D.

Frank Waltrich, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology

 

Hometown:

Philadelphia, PA

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, and Cancer Biology
    Thomas Jefferson University
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology
    La Salle University

 

Background:

I completed my doctoral work at Thomas Jefferson University studying uveal melanoma, a rare but deadly form of cancer. My work focused on therapeutic strategies for metastatic uveal melanoma. Aside from uveal melanoma, I have contributed to many different projects spanning multiple areas of biology, including molecular biology, developmental biology, and host-pathogen interactions.

Serving at Manor Since:

2026

Why do YOU BELONG HERE?

I am drawn to Manor College for its supportive, close-knit community. It’s a place where I can put my passion for teaching biology alongside colleagues and students who share a genuine investment in one another’s success.

Personal Interests:

Philadelphia sports teams, hiking, camping, biking.

Publications:

  • Chua, V., Lopez-Anton, M., Mizue Terai, Ryota Tanaka, Baqai, U., Purwin, T. J., Haj, J. I., Waltrich Jr, F. J., Trachtenberg, I., Luo, K., Tudi, R., Jeon, A., Han, A., Chervoneva, I., Davies, M. A., Aguirre-Ghiso, J. A., Sato, T., & Aplin, A. E. (2024). Slow proliferation of BAP1-deficient uveal melanoma cells is associated with reduced S6 signaling and resistance to nutrient stress. Science Signaling, 17(840).
  • Barnada, S. M., Giner de Gracia, A., Morenilla-Palao, C., López-Cascales, M. T., Scopa, C., Waltrich Jr, F. J., Mikkers, H. M. M., Cicardi, M. E., Karlin, J., Trotti, D., Peterson, K. A., Brugmann, S. A., Santen, G. W. E., McMahon, S. B., Herrera, E., & Trizzino, M. (2024). ARID1A-BAF coordinates ZIC2 genomic occupancy for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cranial neural crest specification. American Journal of Human Genetics, 111(10), 2232–2252.
  • Waltrich Jr., F.J., Wessner, C.E., Liu, J.B., Haj, J.I., Hung, E., Snir-Alkalay, I., Purwin, T.J., Chua, V., I. Chervoneva, Davies, M.A., Gutkind, J.S., Eisenbrey, J.R., Ben-Neriah, Y., & Aplin, A.E. (2026). Targeting CDK7/9 and casein kinase 1 alpha as a therapeutic strategy in advanced-stage uveal melanoma. Cancer Research. Under Review.
  • Kadamb, R., Anton, M. L., Purwin, T. J., Seeneevassen, L., Chua, V., Waltrich Jr, F. J., Teh, J. L. F., Nieto, M. A., Sato, T., Terai, M., Roman, S. R., De Koning, L., Zheng, D., Aplin, A. E., & Aguirre-Ghiso, J. A. (2026). Lineage commitment pathways epigenetically oppose oncogenic Gαq/11-YAP1 signaling in dormant disseminated uveal melanoma. Nature Communications. Under Review.
  • Zhong, Z., Liu, Q., Terai, M., Koshkin, S., O’Neill, R., Jiang, W., Eiger-Moscovich, M., Milman, T., Waltrich Jr., F.J., Aplin, A.E., Ashraf, U., Sato, T., Yang, H. (2026). Highly expressed STING in liver metastasis of uveal melanoma can lead to synergistic killing. BMC Cancer. Under Review.
  • Barraclough, C.S., Stefanski, C.D., Haj, J., Stocks, L.E., Hudson, C.H., Annamalai, G., Waltrich Jr., F.J., Purwin, T.J., Erkes, D.A., Gour, J., Cassel, J., Levesque, M., Possik, P.A., Salvino, J.M., and Aplin, A.E. (2026). Cyclin-dependent kinase PROTACs inhibit acral melanoma cell growth. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. Submitted.

 

Courses Taught:

  • BI101: Introduction to Biology
  • BI201: Human Anatomy & Physiology

 

Contact:

Office: 215.885.2360 ext. 1251
fwaltrich@manor.edu