I’m a tumor biologist, specializing in breast cancer metastasis. When I’m not science-ing, you will find me taking photos of whatever captures my eye and soaking up quality time with my furry duo - a golden retriever and a german shepherd. Can’t forget to mention I’m also a proud plant mom.
Let’s connect and geek out over science!
Projects
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Patients with ER negative breast cancer have the worst prognosis of all breast cancer subtypes, often experiencing rapid recurrence or progression to metastatic disease shortly after diagnosis. Using a mouse systems genetics approach, Resf1 was identified to be associated with metastatic susceptibility. Resf1 is a poorly characterized gene, published in only 7 papers. This study revealed Resf1 as a tumor suppressor and metastasis promoter. This was my PhD dissertation project.
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Consulting Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center focuses on expanding the oncology internship program to multiple high schools across the nation, including curriculum design and content delivery.
Some Things I’ve Worked On
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Primary tumors (tumor cells that origin in the primary organ) are highly heterogeneous (diverse) and consist of several different populations of cells whose genetics are distant from each other (subclones), which may evolve or become extinct over time. This blog describes how this evolution of tumor cells occurs.
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Studying metastasis is described as “trying to put together clear, acrylic puzzle pieces.” This blog explains the complexities of studying metastasis and what needs to be done in research, including publishing more negative data.
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This research identified a set of genes nicknamed "Goldilocks" genes, which seem promising for developing treatments that target metastasis. These genes include NANOS, PUM2, and CPSF4, which control metastasis and are part of a network involved in the process. They influence the levels of Smarcd1 mRNA, a molecule crucial for metastasis. Surprisingly, both very high and very low levels of Smarcd1 are linked to better patient outcomes, but moderate levels are associated with worse prognosis.
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The goals of BioGraphI are to develop, implement, and share modules for teaching graph interpretation and promoting diversity/inclusion in undergraduate biology classrooms. Co-published a BioGraphI module with a focus on interpreting Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Mapping.
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In the 1970s, Nowell suggested that specific mutations could cause cancer to spread, but we still don't know much about these driver mutations. Using breast cancer mouse models, a driver mutation was found in a gene called Shc1, which seemed to make cancer spread more easily. By altering this gene, we saw that it might indeed play a role in cancer spreading. More research is needed to understand exactly how these mutations work and how they affect cancer.
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