Research Abstract
As a translational scientist with expertise in melanoma and immuno-oncology, I am focused on questions relating to cancer genetics, immunology, and cancer biology using genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic approaches to profile patient-derived samples. My previous work utilized next-generation sequencing and multi-platform analysis in multiple patient populations including metastatic melanoma, with a specific focus on characterizing resistance to both BRAF-targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. I am also interested in less invasive approaches to predicting and/or monitoring therapeutic efficacy, including novel imaging techniques and blood-based analysis. Finally, as a clinical surgeon I am interested in assessing changes in the clinical management of melanoma, and the impact of changes in practice on clinical outcomes. As an MD, PhD, I am well equipped to bridge the two complementary but disparate environments of clinical and basic research, with a primary goal of translating interesting research findings into meaningful clinical interventions based upon the newest available technology.