Planned, drove and executed breast cancer research projects with multiple stakeholders. Achievements: • Discovered molecular factors that mediate the aggressive phenotype of breast cancer cells (e.g., VEGF-D in lymphangiogenesis of inflammatory breast cancers and ADAM8 in angiogenesis and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancers). • Identified novel approaches for treatment and demonstrated efficacy in mouse models (e.g., epigallocatechin-3-gallate to inhibit growth and lymphangiogenesis of inflammatory breast cancer tumors, and anti-ADAM8 antibodies to block metastasis of triple-negative breast tumors).Additional responsibilities:• Managed the day-to-day operations and staff of a 5-person laboratory. Assigned tasks to maintain a successful working environment, served as escalation point for operational issues, trained and supervised new members. • Prepared grant applications, a patent and manuscripts for publication.• Participated in go-no-go decision making process for development of an antibody-based breast cancer therapeutic. Evaluated market size, competitive landscape and potential development partners.Current research projects:• Use of miRNAs as biomarkers of carcinogen exposure • Molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer development and progression

Breast cancer research (laboratory of Dr. Gail Sonenshein):• Collected and analyzed scientific information from a broad range of sources (e.g., peer-reviewed literature, public databases and key opinion leaders), and formulated effective cancer research strategies. • RelB project: Discovered the RelB NF-κB subunit promotes breast cancer cell survival and resistance to treatment with gamma-irradiation and the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. Demonstrated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits RelB, making breast cancer cells more susceptible to therapy.• Inflammatory breast cancer project: Identified the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate as a potent inhibitor of inflammatory breast cancer cell growth and invasiveness.Additional responsibilities:• Presentation of research results at scientific meetings• Preparation of grant proposals and manuscripts for publication• Training and supervision of new laboratory members

• Academic training: Completed a rigorous program that included extensive pathology and medical oncology-related coursework.• Leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer research (laboratory of Dr. Gail Sonenshein): Elucidated novel signaling pathways that promote the survival of malignant B cells (e.g., CD40L-mediated activation of RelB NF-κB) and the invasive phenotype of breast cancer cells (e.g., RelB to Blimp1 signaling in ERα-negative breast cancer cells).

Assisted medical students registered in the Basic and Experimental Pathology course in understanding the course material and improving exam taking skills.

Used molecular biology techniques to study abnormal tumor-like growths in cultures of the fungus Schizophyllum commune (laboratory of Dr. Thomas Leonard).

Led laboratory sections of the Introductory Biology and Microbiology courses.

5/2000-08/2000 and 06/2001-08/2001Used serial analysis of gene expression to identify molecular factors involved in prostate cancer progression.

Tested the in vivo efficacy of a candidate vaccine against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium which causes gastric ulcers and cancer.