Seeking motivated Undergraduate students to study tumor progression & metastasis

Mentor Areas

My group is engaged in projects dealing with mechanisms of resistance to tumor microenvironmental stress, with emphasis on the Unfolded Protein Response in cancer. We are also engaged in the development of small molecule agents to target these mechanisms as novel targeted modalities. My laboratory is primarily interested in two broad areas: 1. To understand the mechanisms by which components of the microenvironment (e.g. hypoxia, low nutrient availability) interact with cellular survival/apoptotic pathways to produce a more resistant tumor phenotype. Once we understand the regulation and function of these survival pathways, we then design cell-based and assays to screen small molecule libraries for compounds that inhibit these processes and test them alone or in combination with genotoxic agents in several animal tumor models. 2. To increase the therapeutic effectiveness of ionizing radiation (IR) by either employing existing compounds with relatively safe toxicity profiles or employ screening strategies to identify novel and potent radiation sensitizers.

Description:

Two available positions are available for talented and motivated undergraduates seeking to obtain training in the areas of molecular mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis using novel genetic mouse models of cancer. The selected student(s) will be assigned to senior graduate students or postdoctoral fellows and will receive strong training in laboratory methods, formulation of scientific hypothesis and will receive mentoring in presentation of scientific data. Candidates should expect to spend at least 10-15 hrs per week in the lab.

Preferred Qualifications

Basic biology background is required, some research lab experience desirable but not required.