Mentors
Dineo Khabele, MD
Chair, Department of Ob/Gyn at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Mitchell & Elaine Yanow Professor
Research Description
Dr. Kahbele's cancer research interests include chemotherapy resistance, DNA repair, epigenetic targets for therapy, and targeting the tumor microenvironment. She is a dedicated educator and mentor to students, residents, fellows, and faculty. She is an advocate for women’s health, women’s cancers, and health equity.
Ronald J Buckanovich, MD, PhD
Ronald J Buckanovich, MD, PhD Website
Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh
Research Description
Dr Buckanovich studies regulators of cancer stem cell proliferation and division patterns with the goal of developing novel therapeutics targeting CSC. In collaboration with Euisik Yoon, he has developed novel in vitro microfluidics devices as a means to study symmetric vs asymmetric divisions of CSC, regulators of CSC, and mediators of CSC quiescence. In addition his lab is developing a novel human stroma tumor model.
Ie-Ming Shih, MD
Richard W. TeLinde Distinguished Professor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at John Hopkins University School of Medicine
Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Research Description
Dr. Shih’s research laboratory has made several discoveries that contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, including uncovering the genomic landscapes of different histologic subtypes of ovarian cancer, new mechanisms behind chemoresistance, the tumor suppressor roles of ARID1A, and the possible origin of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma.
Anil K. Sood, MD
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery at the MC Anderson Cancer Center
Co-director of the Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Research Description
Dr. Sood's research is focused in three main areas: 1) mechanisms of angiogenesis and metastasis in ovarian cancer; 2) effects of neuroendocrine stress hormones on ovarian cancer growth and progression, 3) development of new strategies for systemic in vivo siRNA delivery.
Catherine Bollard, MD, MBChB
Catherine Bollard, MD, MBChB Website
Director, Center for Cancer and Immunology, Children’s National Research Institute
Director, Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children’s National Research Institute
Professor, Pediatrics and Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University
Research Description
Dr. Bollard is a distinguished hematologist, immunologist, and immunotherapist known for her leadership in developing cell and gene therapies. As the current president of the Foundation for the Accreditation for Cellular Therapy (FACT), she spearheads clinical and research efforts to strengthen the immune system through adoptive cell therapy. Her work is focused on combating cancer and inflammatory diseases, with a dedication to advancing cell and gene therapies for patients with cancer and underlying immune deficiencies.
Resham Bhattacharya, PhD
Resham Bhattacharya, PhD Website
Professor at The University of Oklahoma
Co-Leader, Cancer Biology Program, SCC
TSET Research Scholar
Research Description
Dr. Bhattachary's lab focuses on researching the fundamental and clinical translational aspects of molecular signaling in vascular pathologies and gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian and uterine cancer. A specific area of interest for her has been the exploration of new targets with limited or no known biological information. Her investigations into KRCC1 encompass a wide range of areas, including the DNA damage response, DNA replication, DNA repair, and various other signaling pathways relevant to cancer.
Priyabrata Mukherjee, PhD, FRSC, FAIMBE, FAAAS, FNAI
Priyabrata Mukherjee, PhD, FRSC, FAIMBE, FAAAS, FNAI Website
PHF Presidential Professor
Associate Director of Translational Research, Stephenson Cancer Center
Peggy and Charles Stephenson Endowed Chair in Laboratory Cancer Research
Professor of Pathology
Co-Director, Nanomedicine Program, Stephenson Cancer Center
Oklahoma TSET Research Scholar
Elizabeth Swisher, MD
Deputy Director, Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium
Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Affiliate Investigator, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Research Description
Dr. Swisher specializes in gynecologic oncology. She studies the genetics of gynecologic cancers and uses that knowledge to assess cancer risk and personalize prevention strategies, leading national and international trials in ovarian cancer.
Charles Bieberich, PhD
Charles Bieberich, PhD Website
Professor at College of Mathematical Sciences at UMBC
Research Description
Dr. Bieberich explores issues at the interface between development and human disease, with a view towards identifying novel points of therapeutic intervention. In particular, he is focused on the functions of NKX3.1 as a prostate-specific tumor suppressor. His lab is currently investigating molecular mechanisms controlling transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of NKX3.1 and other prostate-restricted transcription factors that play roles in cancer.
Cesar Castro, MD, MMSc
Cesar Castro, MD, MMSc Website
Associate Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Director, Gynecologic Oncology Program - MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
Director, Cancer Program - MGH Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Research Description
Dr. Castro is a translational oncologist specializing in nanotechnology and molecular imaging for solid tumor detection. He leads the Gynecologic Oncology Program at the MGH Cancer Center and directs the Cancer Program at the MGH Center for Systems Biology. Dr. Castro is a key figure in the National Cancer Institute Liquid Biopsy Consortium. His work focuses on innovative approaches to cancer detection and profiling.
Robert Coleman MD, FACOG, FACS
Professor, Deputy Chair and Vice Chair of Clinical Research
Ann Rife Cox Chair in Gynecology
Research Description
Dr. Coleman is a distinguished gynecologic oncologist renowned for his expertise in the field. He is skilled in performing various surgical procedures, including laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, radical hysterectomy, and lymphadenectomy. Dr. Coleman is affiliated with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and actively engages in clinical research. His recent study investigating the use of niraparib in recurrent ovarian cancer patients without BRCA gene mutations revealed promising results, showcasing improved overall survival rates compared to active surveillance. This research offers hope to patients seeking effective second-line maintenance therapy.
Jose Conejo-Garcia MD, PhD
Jose Conejo-Garcia MD, PhD Website
Chair of the Immunology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center
Research Description
Dr.Conejo-Garcia's research centers on the intricate dynamics that regulate the equilibrium between immunosuppression and protective immunity within the tumor microenvironment. His work places a significant emphasis on deciphering the interplay between innate (gamma/delta) and adaptive (alpha/beta) T cells, as well as B lymphocytes. Notably, the findings from Dr. Conejo-Garcia's laboratory are actively transitioning into clinical trials where CAR T cell therapies are harnessed for the treatment of ovarian cancer patients.
Fergus Couch, PhD
Consultant, Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic
Chair, Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic
Research Description
Dr. Couch conducts research primarily focused on breast and pancreatic cancer. His work involves identifying genetic alterations related to breast cancer susceptibility, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are also associated with ovarian cancer risk. Additionally, his research explores factors influencing the response to chemotherapy in breast cancer. Dr. Couch's research into ovarian cancer concerns variants of significance in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and their implications in ovarian cancer risk assessment.
George Coukos, MD, PhD
George Coukos, MD, PhD Website
Head of UNIL CHUV Oncology Department
Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Research Description
Dr. Coukos has devoted his career to groundbreaking immunotherapy research, particularly in the realm of ovarian cancer. His early 2000s investigations into spontaneous immune responses within ovarian tumors ignited his interest in immunotherapy development. His work has unveiled crucial insights, including how tumors exploit regulatory T cells to suppress immune responses and the role of tumor blood vessels in this process. Additionally, he has been a driving force behind the development and evaluation of novel immunotherapies, such as dendritic cell vaccines, in clinical trials.
Anne Cust, PhD, MPH(Hons)
Anne Cust, PhD, MPH(Hons) Website
Professor of Cancer Epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney
Deputy Director of the Daffodil Centre
Research Description
Dr. Cust is a leading cancer epidemiologist and NHMRC Investigator Fellow renowned for her research in Melanoma and Skin Cancer. Her work focuses on translating research into impactful policies and clinical practices. She's made significant contributions to skin cancer prevention, screening, genomic cancer risk, and international melanoma consortia.
Melissa Geller, MD, MS
Melissa Geller, MD, MS Website
Associate Professor and Division Director, Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (OBGYN)
University of Minnesota
Research Research
Dr. Geller is dedicated to researching innovative therapies for recurrent ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on harnessing NK cells for treatment. She has initiated multiple clinical trials exploring immunotherapy in advanced gynecologic malignancies. Dr. Geller's pioneering work includes developing a next-generation immunotherapy product using anti-mesothelin CAR-expressing human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to enhance NK cell targeting of ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, she's created technology-based interventions to enhance ovarian cancer patients' quality of life and is involved in genetic counseling research funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Diane Jelinek, PhD
Consultant, Cellular Immunology, Department of Research, Mayo Clinic
Professor of Immunology, Mayo Clinic
Research Description
Dr. Jelinek's research focuses on human B cell and plasma cell biology, encompassing both normal and cancerous cells. Her work investigates the survival, proliferation, and differentiation mechanisms of these cells, shedding light on diseases like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and primary amyloidosis. Dr. Jelinek's studies involve understanding the interactions between B cells and immune cells, exploring the role of key enzymes like activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and investigating molecular features of the CLL B cell antigen receptor. Additionally, she delves into multiple myeloma progression, tumor cell growth regulation, and the unique antibody-secreting plasma cells in primary amyloidosis that lead to organ deposits.
Scott Kaufmann, MD, PhD
Scott Kaufmann, MD, PhD Website
Consultant, Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic
Chair and Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic
Research Description
Dr. Kaufmann conducts crucial research focused on targeted anti-cancer treatments. His Anticancer Drug Action Laboratory delves into understanding cell killing and resistance mechanisms in cancer cells. Dr. Kaufmann's work spans various areas, including investigating apoptosis induction, studying kinase inhibitors' role in activating apoptosis pathways, and examining the engagement of apoptotic machinery by different targeted agents. He's also dedicated to understanding and overcoming PARP inhibitor resistance in ovarian cancer for improved therapeutic strategies. Additionally, his research addresses emergent myeloid neoplasms associated with PARP inhibitor treatments in ovarian cancer patients receiving carboplatin therapy.
Daniela Matei, MD
Diana, Princess of Wales Professor of Cancer Research Professor of Medicine (Hematology and Oncology) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (Gynecologic Oncology) Northwestern University
Research Description
Dr. Matei co-leads the Women’s Cancer Research Program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her groundbreaking work focuses on ovarian cancer stem cells, chemotherapy-resistant tumor epigenetics, and lipid metabolism's impact on cancer. Dr. Matei actively participates in clinical and translational research in solid tumors and co-leads the NCTN activities at the Lurie Cancer Center.
Ursula Matulonis, MD
Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Research Description
Dr. Matulonis is renowned for her research in gynecologic oncology, particularly her pioneering work in developing and testing novel therapies for ovarian and endometrial cancers. She has been at the forefront of clinical trials involving PARP inhibitors, anti-angiogenic agents, immunotherapies, and innovative combination treatments, significantly advancing the field's understanding and management of these malignancies. Dr. Matulonis' dedication to improving patient outcomes and her leadership roles in various cancer organizations underscore her commitment to driving progress in gynecologic oncology research and treatment.
Heather Nelson, PhD, MPH
Heather Nelson, PhD, MPH Website
Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health;
Program Leader, Masonic Cancer Center
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Research Description
Dr. Nelson's research program is dedicated to investigating the intricate interplay between environmental factors and genetic predispositions that heighten cancer susceptibility and influence patient outcomes. Her current research endeavors are specifically oriented toward unraveling the significance of individual variations in immune responses and the impact of viral exposures in the realm of cancer epidemiology.
Kenneth Nephew, PhD
Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Sciences Program
Fellow, Indiana Molecular Biology Institute, College of Arts and Sciences, IU Bloomington
Adjunct Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, IU Bloomington
John Quackenbush, PhD
Professor of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics and Chair of Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health
Professor, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Research Description
Dr. Quackenbush's research focuses on leveraging genomics and computational methods to study patterns of gene expression in cancer. His work aims to reveal fundamental networks and pathways in disease development and progression, using genomic data to gain insights into biological systems.
Sharon Stack, PhD
Ann F. Dunne and Elizabeth Riley Director of Harper Cancer Research Institute Kleiderer-Pezold Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of Notre Dame
Research Research
Dr. Stack is a renowned researcher with a focus on ovarian and oral cancer metastasis. Her work delves into the molecular mechanisms governing metastasis and how tumor cells respond to microenvironmental cues.
Kathryn Terry, ScD
Associate Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical Schools
Associate Epidemiologist, Ob/Gyn Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Research Description
Dr. Terry's research centers on investigating the intricate interplay between genetic variations, environmental factors, and their impact on ovarian cancer risk and survival. Her specific focus revolves around understanding the varying risk profiles associated with different ovarian cancer subtypes, whether characterized by histologic subtype, cell of origin, or etiological pathway.
Shelley Tworoger, PhD
Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute
Professor and Head, Division of Oncological Sciences
Associate Director of Population Science
Research Bio:
Dr. Tworoger focuses on reducing morbidity and mortality from ovarian and breast cancers. Her multidisciplinary approach is dedicated to various key areas: investigating how the host macroenvironment influences tumor development and heterogeneity, identifying novel factors associated with ovarian cancer risk and survival, leading consortial research initiatives such as the Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium, exploring the biological consequences of psychosocial stress on carcinogenesis, and elucidating the hormonal etiology of breast cancer while integrating biologic markers into risk prediction models, aiming to make risk prediction a valuable clinical tool.
John Weroha, MD, PhD
Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic
Associate Professor of Oncology, Mayo Clinic
Research Research
Dr. Weroha focuses on enhancing therapeutic options for ovarian and other gynecological cancers. His key areas of focus encompass developing innovative therapeutic combinations involving PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer, comprehending resistance mechanisms to PARP inhibitors to devise effective strategies, utilizing patients' own tumors for treatment response prediction and clinical guidance, leading and supporting clinical trials for gynecological malignancies, and expanding the world's largest collection of patient-derived xenografts by advancing ovarian cancer models and introducing models for endometrial and rare gynecological cancers.