Research Summary: 

My thesis work focuses on characterizing genetic mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in ovarian cancer subtypes. We utilize integrated genomic approaches including CRISPR and the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis system in both in vitro and in vivo models of ovarian cancer. Through this work we hope to identify drivers of resistance, determine more effective treatments, and improve therapeutic efficacy in various subtypes of ovarian cancer.

Publications:

Schillo JL, Feddersen CR, Peplinski RM, Powell LS, Varzavand A, Stipp CS, Riordan JD, Dupuy AJ. (2024). Single-cell genomics analysis reveals complex genetic interactions in an in vivo model of acquired BRAF inhibitor resistance. NAR Cancer, Volume 6, Issue 1, zcad061. PMCID: PMC10782916

Honors & Awards:

Best oral presentation Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Retreat (2024) 

1st place oral presentation Genetics Graduate Program Annual Retreat (2023) 

Genetics T-32 Pre-doctoral Training Grant (2022-2023)

Organizational Involvement: 

Financial Outreach Committee (2021 – 2023) 

Primary Student Senator, Graduate Student Senate (2022 – 2023) 

Graduate Student Senate - Travel Grants Committee (2022 – 2023) 

Graduate & Professional Student Government - Grants Committee (2022 – 2023)  

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity Committee (2022 – 2023) 

Science Policy:
Held meetings with members of congress to discuss the annual budget for the NIH and the NCI and advocate for continued funding for biomedical research and funding for early-career scientists. 

AACR Early-career Hill Day (March 2022) 

Rally for Medical Research (September 2021) 

AACR/AACI Hill Day (June 2021)