PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Cell Biology
Area of Interest
We are studying tissue integrity and repair to develop innovative approaches for regenerative medicine and cancer prevention. We are specifically interested in how persistent inflammation influences the breakdown of molecular mechanisms that oversee genome stability, stem cell homeostasis, and intercellular adhesions and how these events influence future tissue repair and onset of disease. Our studies concentrate on highly regenerative (endometrial and intestinal) tissues, models of obesity, chemically induced inflammation, and cancer and span across cell culture systems, genetically engineered mouse models, and human tissues. Ultimately, we hope to apply this knowledge to advance the clinical management of inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Awards and Honors
- Nova Award for Mentoring, UNC School of Medicine Office of Graduate Education, 2023
- IARS Mentored Research Award, 2017-2019
- Lupe C. Garcia Endowed Fellowship in Cancer Research, 2016
- MD Anderson Cancer Center ITERT Fellowship, 2014-2016
- NIH/NCI Uterine SPORE Career Enhancement Award, 2014, 2016
- AMGEN Award in Basic Science Research, 2014, 2016
- Aspen Cancer Conference Fellow, 2014
- Advances in Endometrial Cancer Epidemiology and Biology Symposium Early Investigator Award, 2014
- MD Anderson Cancer Center Alumni and Faculty Association Award in Basic Science Research, 2011
- MD Anderson Cancer Center Alumni and Faculty Association Trainee Excellence Award, 2011
