Member Biography

My lab is interested in the roles of protein phosphatases during cancer initiation and progression. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) negatively regulates many oncogenic pathways and is commonly dysregulated in cancer. Using novel small molecule activators of PP2A, we have determined that PP2A is a critical regulator of the nutrient scavenging mechanism, macropinocytosis. During this process, cancer cells undergo actin-dependent membrane ruffling to indiscriminately engulf and break down large amounts of extracellular fluid. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells utilize macropinocytosis to replenish nutrients and maintain high proliferation rates within harsh, nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironments. Our findings demonstrate that the activation of PP2A prevents macropinocytosis, resulting in increased cell death and decreased PDAC tumor growth. Currently, we are determining the mechanism by which this regulation occurs, the impact on progression and metastasis, and the therapeutic potential of PP2A activating compounds in combination with metabolic inhibitors. Further, we are collaborating with Melissa Fishel at IU to investigate the impact of these findings in patient derived xenografts. In addition to this project, we are actively investigating the impact of genetic deletion of PP2A on pancreatic and lung cancer phenotypes, including metabolism and metastasis. I am currently the co-lead of the IU Pancreatic Cancer-Challenges and Solutions Working Group with Melissa. In this capacity, I attend monthly meetings at IU in person and help to shape the pancreatic cancer research happening at both Purdue and IU. Additionally, I am active in the community and have helped to coordinate pancreatic cancer donors from PanCAN to participate in IU sponsored events. Finally, my lab has actively participated in IU Cancer Research Day for the past 3 years (with several of my students winning poster awards).

Post-doctoral Fellowship - Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 07/2019

Ph.D. - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO 05/2012