Om mig
My long-term goal is to become an academic investigator and establish my own research group, which will focus on advancing our understanding of cancer biology. In the short term, I am focused on cultivating the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks that will help me succeed. The laboratory of Prof. Jack L. Arbiser, MD,PhD, a pupil of the late Judah Folkman, MD, has a long history developing small molecules as antiangiogenic and antitumor therapies. The lab has both discovered natural products and synthesized novel small molecules. I have spent the past ten years learning the scientific techniques used in his research. Prior to joining the Arbiser group, I obtained a BA degree in Chemistry at Emory University, and I have since assisted in the discovery of the antiangiogenic and in vivo antitumor properties of honokiol, a natural product from the Magnolia tree. I have also synthesized honokiol analogs. In addition, I have helped synthesize and test Imipramine Blue, a novel NADPH oxidase inhibitor with systemic availability and antitumor efficacy. I have helped pioneer a novel synthesis of Solenopsin A (ant venom) and Solenopsin A analogs, which has been demonstrated to act as ceramide analogs with tumor suppressive activity. Finally, I have helped reveal the antitumor properties of palladium complexes, including Tris DBA Palladium, for clinical development.
My previous experience with the Arbiser group has given me broad knowledge in biochemistry, cancer biology, and organic chemical synthesis focused towards pre-clinical therapeutic research. Most importantly, it has given me the poise and skills to pursue a professional education and career as an independent academic scientist. Currently I have co-authored a number of peer-reviewed publications, a testament to my dedication to scientific scholarship.
I have since joined Prof. Rikard Holmdahl’s group at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden as a PhD candidate. I have found a Thesis project entitled "Redox Modulation- Impact on Tumor Growth & Therapeutic Anticancer Efficacy" that expands on my experience in angiogenesis and cancer biology, as well as offer new opportunities to further develop in Redox biology, immunology, and proteomics.
Forskningsbeskrivning
My current project focuses on changes in the REDOX environment of leukocytes that stem from the Nox2 complex in murine cancer models. Specifically, I am focused on understanding how murine cancer models develop slower in mice carrying mutations in the Ncf1 (p47-phox) gene, a key component of the Nox2 complex controlling for production of superoxide /hydrogen peroxide in leukocytes which is also mutated in approximately 23% of patients diagnosed with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).
Akademiska priser och utmärkelser
2022 Robert Lundberg Memorial Foundation
The purpose of the foundation is to promote scientific research in the field of tumour diseases, especially cancer.
2018 SWIMM Travel Award
Swedish Society of Immunology SWIMM
SWIMM is a part of the Scandinavian Society for Immunology (SSI), which also comprises of the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic National Societies. The main goal for the society is to assemble immunologists in Sweden and work for the progress of basic and applied immunology. SSI award travel grants to applicants who fulfill our eligibility criteria.
2017 Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (4 years + 1 year)
NIH: National Cancer Institute
The purpose of the Kirschstein-NRSA program is to enable promising predoctoral students with potential to develop into a productive, independent research scientists, to obtain mentored research training while conducting dissertation research.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/budget/fact-book/extramural-programs/n…