The focus of my research laboratory is cancer cell biology, particularly in mechanisms of cancer metastasis. I am especially intrigued by the interaction of cancer cells with endothelial cells within metastatic organs. Malignant cancers usually spread to specific sites, e.g. breast cancer metastasizes to the lungs and bone. The mechanisms governing the site-specific nature of the metastatic process are poorly understood, but are thought to involve the expression of site-specific chemokines, growth factors and adhesion molecules. I believe that the endothelium actively participates in cancer cell metastasis and is not merely a passive bystander in this process.

Currently, I have two ongoing research projects involving cancer cell biology. The first involves the role of basic fibroblast growth factor in osteosarcoma growth and metastasis. The second project is being done in collaboration with Dr. Michael Shuler of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. Together, we are planning to create a novel microdevice that mimics the complex microvascular environment in which cancer cell metastasis occurs. We hope to use this device to study cancer cell-endothelial interactions under physiologic flow conditions using real-time microscopy.

My lab philosophy

Practice high-quality research with repeatable data, be thorough, take responsibility for yourself, be respectful and considerate of others, and HAVE FUN (with lots of coffee and chocolate - 2 research necessities!!).

I am dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary clinical pathology and the section of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Cornell University. Anything clinical pathology-related is fair research game, as can be seen from my varied research publications. My main clinical pathologic interests are involved in hemostatic and hematological disorders, particularly in leukemias in domestic animals.

I currently have funding for 2 clinical applied research projects. The first involves the evaluation of thrombin-antithrombin complex and D-dimer assays for the diagnosis of thromboembolism in cats with cardiac disease. This project is funded through the Winn Feline Foundation. The second project is a study being performed with Dr. Daryl Nydam and involves an investigation into the prevalence of negative energy balance and associated metabolic diseases, such as subclinical ketosis, in dairy herds in the Northeastern United States. This is funded through the Federal Formula Funds.