![Portrait of Markowitz lab members](/cancer/sites/default/files/styles/hero_landing_page_930x450_/public/2019-05/Markowitz%20Lab%20photo%202019.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=ZlrNbZWz)
Our mission is to identify key genetic causes of colon cancer and to develop better ways for prevention, early detection and treatment of disease.
![Group photo of the SPORE research team](/cancer/sites/default/files/styles/subfeature_705x528_/public/2020-04/Case%20GI%20SPORE%20Team%202020.jpg?h=30b85788&itok=EBZkFF0F)
Sandy Markowitz is the principal investigator of the Case GI SPORE, an National Cancer Institute-designated Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Gastrointestinal Cancers, one of only five centers in the country.
![Portrait of Sanford Markowitz. Smiling man in suit jacket with bowtie](/cancer/sites/default/files/styles/subfeature_705x528_/public/2020-04/markowitz-sandy.jpg?h=2828be58&itok=WTk1RmNZ)
Sanford (Sandy) Markowitz is recognized as a national leader in studies of the genetics and epigenetics of GI cancers. He is the Markowitz-Ingalls Professor of Cancer Genetics, a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University, co-leader of the GI Cancer Genetics Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI Outstanding Investigator (R35) Awardee, and Principal Investigator of the Case GI SPORE.