Biography

My research focuses on the translation of basic science into diagnostics for multiple areas of pathology. Initially, my research focused on the molecular changes that occur in the development and progression of solid tumors. I utilized several animal models: 1) an aquatic model of liver carcinogenesis where I identified the trout equivalent of the K-ras gene, and 2) a Golden Syrian Hamster model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, with later analysis of human specimens to identify early biomarkers of this devastating disease. I also studied prostate cancer, focusing less on early detection and more on the markers of metastatic progression of the disease. More recently, in response to the critical needs of our molecular diagnostics laboratory, I have developed and validated many assays. Many are designed to detect and identify pathogenic microbes, viruses and antimicrobial resistance, but diagnostic assays for cancer susceptibility and diagnostics have also been developed and validated. These validated, laboratory developed procedures are routinely used for clinical testing of primary samples as well as for screening patients as part of my role as Director of Genotyping in the Molecular Diagnostics laboratory at NorthShore. Finally, in my role as the Director of the NorthShore Biospecimen Repository, we receive and store biospecimens in a standardized manner to maximize the potential use for current and potential research studies, as well as the acquisition and database storage of essential pathologic and clinical information needed for conducting translational research