Pediatrics
Medical School
Twin Cities
Award Year
2026
University Award
Distinguished McKnight University Professors
Understanding Genetic and Environmental Causes of Cancer in Children and Adults
Jen Poynter is an international leader in molecular cancer epidemiology. Dr. Poynter has established the largest global study of pediatric germ cell tumors, which she has used to identify critical risk factors and understand lifelong treatment side effects. As a leader of the 10,000 Families Study, she is investigating how environmental exposures like radon and PFAS impact cancer risk in Minnesota. Her work will help reduce the cancer burden in Minnesota and globally.