I am a Biology PhD Student at Temple University’s College of Science and Technology. I am in Dr. Johnathan Whetstine’s lab at the Cancer Epigenetic Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Whetstine lab focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms behind DNA amplifications and rearrangements that can occur in cancer. The Cancer Epigenetic Institute integrates a “bedside to bench” approach at cancer epigenetic research, with clinicians and researchers working together to help the discovery of new cancer therapeutic methods.
I am interested in researching how the H3K9me1/2 lysine demethylase KDM3B plays a role in genome regulation and MLL extrachromosomal DNA copy gains associated with cancer. The imbalance of H3K9me1/2 contributes to transient amplifications and integrated rearrangements of MLL, which is observed in leukemia and can be induced by a commonly used chemotherapy. Understanding how epigenetic modulators affect DNA amplifications and rearrangements of MLL is necessary to recognize how chemotherapy can promote copy gains.
Outside of the lab I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, playing with my 2 pet rabbits, and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams. Go Birds!