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. The laboratory performs basic research to fill in gaps in our understanding of repair pathways.  The laboratory also performs applied research to develop ways to sensitize tumor cells to radiation and to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with environmental radiation exposure.  Some of our most exciting work involves an attempt to re-engineer the repair machinery so that it can be used to correct genetic defects in stem cells.

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 re-engineering the DNA repair machinery for therapeutic benefit

• We have discovered ann unexpected role for RNA binding protiens in the repair of radiation-damaged DNA.
• Our NIH-designated Nanomedicine Development Center is developing methods for real-time visualization of individual DNA repair events.
• A non-mammalian vertebrate model organism - the Japanese medaka fish - is helping to identify factors that control the radiation response in whole organisms
• Working with our clinical collaborators, we have identified one of the factors responsible for minority health disparities in head and neck cancer.

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