Overview
I am a physician scientist with a clinical focus on neuropathology, and a research interest in brain tumors. Originally from Maryland, I completed my undergraduate training at the University of Maryland, completing degrees in Physiology and Neurobiology as well as Spanish Language and Literature. I subsequently came to Duke for my MD and PhD, and discovered a passion for brain tumor research, and quickly realized that this was my life's calling. Clinically, I specialize in neuropathology. While I have active projects and collaborations on many kinds of brain tumors, my lab's primary focus is oligodendroglioma, a kind of infiltrative brain tumor that impacts adults. Our goal is to identify new ways to treat these tumors and improve the lives of patients with oligodendrogliomas and other kinds of brain tumors. By blending together computational approaches with wet lab approaches, we use the strengths inherent in different research modalities to excel in identifying unexplored pathways and thinking outside the box to identify new ways to target this brain tumor. We do this through research in an inclusive, multidisciplinary lab environment that strives for excellence in research while creating well-rounded, thriving scientists ready for the next step in their careers.
Research Opportunities
We currently have opportunities in the laboratory for one-year projects (ideal for post-bac fellows or third year med student research experiences). These projects are centered on identifying and testing novel therapeutic approaches for oligodendroglioma using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Please reach out if you are interested and would like to hear more about my mentoring philosophy, lab culture, and opportunities to be at the cutting edge of science.
Research Opportunities
We currently have opportunities in the laboratory for one-year projects (ideal for post-bac fellows or third year med student research experiences). These projects are centered on identifying and testing novel therapeutic approaches for oligodendroglioma using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Please reach out if you are interested and would like to hear more about my mentoring philosophy, lab culture, and opportunities to be at the cutting edge of science.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Pathology
·
2024 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery
·
2020 - Present
Neurosurgery,
Neurosurgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2019 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
A surgical window of opportunity trial evaluating the effect of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab on tumoral MHC-I expression and CD8+ infiltration in glioma.
Journal Article Sci Rep · October 23, 2025 Many cancers evade immunosurveillance by downregulating surface major histocompatibility class (MHC)-I. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes MHC-I degradation and is elevated in glioma. Evolocumab is a clinically approved PCSK9 in ... Full text Link to item CiteEGFR phosphorylation of DCBLD2 recruits TRAF6 and stimulates AKT-promoted tumorigenesis.
Journal Article J Clin Invest · May 15, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
McCain/Bayh Glioblastoma Consortium
Clinical TrialCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2029Innate Antiviral Signals for Cancer Immunotherapy
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2018 - 2028Integrative transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma at single-cell resolution
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University, School of Medicine ·
2014
MD./PhD.
University of Maryland, College Park ·
2005
B.A.
University of Maryland, College Park ·
2005
B.S.