Cancer Biology Program Students

Why did you choose the UC Denver Cancer Biology Program:

I have always been interested in improving treatment options for cancer patients. I was fortunate to find a wonderful mentor in the program who shares similar goals. Plus, the added bonus of the UC Denver Cancer Biology Program is its small size that creates a very friendly interactive community.

What labs are you rotating in?

I rotated with Kian Behbakht who studies ovarian cancer and Paul Jedlicka, my current thesis advisor who studies Ewing Sarcoma.

Please describe your project:

I am examing the role of the miR-17-92 and miR-106b-25 clusters in Ewing Sarcoma. This includes looking at their roles in regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway for proliferation and escape from apoptosis.

Where did you attended undergraduate school and what was your major / minor:

I graduated with a BS in Microbiology from New Mexico State University with minors in Biochemistry and Spanish.

What you did (if anything) between undergraduate and graduate school:

In the six months between undergraduate school and the MST Program, I worked as a substitute teacher my hometown in New Mexico and enjoyed bringing my horse up the levels in three-day eventing.

Other school affiliated activities / clubs you are involved in:

I am involved in the MSTP.

What you like to do outside of school:

I love to ride my horses, ski, and hike.

What is your favorite thing about Colorado?

The outdoors and the fact that everybody is so friendly.