T32 AWARDEES

Ellen Bamberg

Lab: Kabos

Research: I am a dedicated researcher focused on investigating the intricate relationship between obesity and breast cancer progression. Through comprehensive analyses of the ECM-modifying protein Galectin-3, my research aims to uncover how it impacts the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a driver of breast cancer development and progression.

Lauren Cozzens

Lab: Lyons

Research: My research focuses on understanding how mammary gland involution contributes to post-partum breast cancer (PPBC) tumor initiation; to uncover targetable mechanisms for PPBC prevention and treatment. I am specifically interested in how Semaphorin 7a and hormone signaling promote progenitor-cell survival and maintenance during involution and how these phenotypes can promote PPBC.

Kady Dennis

Lab: Sherbenou

Research:  My research aims to study mechanisms of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy resistance in multiple myeloma. Specifically, I am interested in identifying a novel mechanism of BCMA antigenic escape and determining how prior anti-myeloma therapies impact CAR T cell function.

Abe Martinez

Lab: Pearson

Research: I study the molecular mechanisms by which normal and cancer cells assemble numerous centrosomes, which we know can promote chromosomal instability, aneuploidies, invasion, and tumorigenesis.

Lars Wick

Lab: Zhao

Research: I study the oncogenic roles of MYC in tumorigenesis and progression, and aim to discover and/or develop novel targeted therapeutic strategies for treating MYC-driven cancers.