Our laboratory studies how human cells respond to high-energy radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays. Much of our effort focuses on the way that cells repair radiation-induced damage to their genetic material. Our work may lead to a better understanding of how cancer cells respond to radiation therapy and how normal tissue can be protected from radiation side effects. It will also allow us to better evaluate and mitigate the risk from accidental or deliberate dispersal of radiological materials into the environment.

My colleagues and I are also developing a clinical proteomics program to identify molecular markers that will aid in early detection of cervical and other cancers.

Understanding and manipulating DNA repair machinery for therapeutic benefit

• Our NIH-designated Nanomedicine Development Center is developing methods for real-time visualization of individual DNA repair events.
• A non-mammalian model - the Japanese medaka fish is helping to identify factors that control the radiation response in whole organisms
• We are identifying cancer biomarkers using technology that allows ujs to track a thousand different proteins simultaneously in pure populations of cancer cells captured from standard pathology specimens using a laser beam

The support for education at all levels and the opportunity to pursue new areas of research