Cancer Biology Program Students
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Student Questionnaire:
1. Why did you choose the UC Denver Cancer Biology Program?
The role of microRNAs in cancer is a research area that interests me. The Cancer Biology Program at UC Denver
offers a wide range of research projects, many of which sparked my specific interest in microRNAs. The Cancer
Biology program UC Denver, provides a wide variety of research areas for its students to explore before deciding
what area their thesis will be in. The Anschutz Medical Campus was also a very convincing component of this
program. The clinical application this program offers to its students is very unique.
2. What labs are you rotating in?
Xiao-Jing Wang, MD/PhD
Jennifer Richer, PhD
3. Please describe you project?
During my rotation with Dr. Wang, my project focused primarily on the effect microRNA-9 has on the side
population (SP) of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The side population of these cell lines and
tumors increases with the over-expression of miR-9. Through flow cytometry, we have been able to separate the
stem-like cells from the normal cancer stem cells. The overexpression of miR-9 in other squamous cell carcinoma
cell lines used in our lab increases metastasis as well as migration/invasion. All together, characterizing the
role of miR-9 in HNSCC metastasis is the primary goal of my project.
4. Where did you attend undergraduate school and what was your major/minor?
Grand Valley State University
B.S., Cell & Molecular Biology
5. What you did (if anything) between undergraduate and graduate school?
a. I applied directly to graduate school from undergrad
6. Other school affiliated activities/clubs you are involved in?
a. None.
7. What do you like to do outside of school?
a. Explore downtown Denver, Hike in the mountains, Attend sporting events
8. What is your favorite thing about Colorado?
a. The 300+ days of sunshine a year, The active lifestyle
9. Your contact information-
a. Email: thomas.rogers@ucdenver.edu
b. phone number: 248-525-8337