My goal as a physician-scientist is to interface between medicine and basic science to confront challenging fundamental questions in cancer biology. In particular, I study the molecular regulation of cancer initiation in melanoma - the events that occur at the very start of tumor formation - during which cells readopt stem cell-like characteristics.

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Cancer initiation, melanoma

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When surveying the many categories used to describe diversity, I recognize that my profile is already well represented in the fields of science and medicine.  In this context, I aim to remain always mindful of the benefits and privileges, both tangible and intangible, which have come with being in a majority group during my education and training.  I am grateful to my thesis advisor for sharing with her students and me some of the challenges she experienced, such as the scrutiny she faced when being hired as the only woman in her department.  Throughout her career, I observed as she has strongly supported a diverse group of trainees through all phases of their careers.  I hope that this awareness has come to serve as a starting point as I strive to be actively inclusive: by making a concerted effort to hire, mentor, and collaborate with all individuals particularly when our backgrounds might differ, by being willing to be proactive for students and mentees who may have a smaller peer group, and by being receptive to the needs and concerns of all trainees and colleagues while attempting to avoid framing their unique experiences within my own preconceptions.