I am a member of the Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program at the OSUCCC – James, where my research focuses on identifying naturally occurring gene variations that affect cancer susceptibility, as well as mutations that drive tumors, in order to better prevent cancers in high-risk individuals, understand tumor growth and identify new targets for therapy and prevention.

In particular, my work centers on the genetics of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer and hereditary breast cancer.

One of my recent studies found that variants in a gene important for eye color, OCA2, are associated with a shorter time to diagnosis of a skin cancer in solid organ transplant patients.

I have co-authored many articles in well-respected publications, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, International Journal of Cancer, Nature Genetics, British Journal of Dermatology and Breast Cancer Research.