The laboratory research effort aims to identify the molecular genetic alterations that underlie the development, progression and treatment resistance of brain tumors. By understanding the mechanism by which tumor genome alterations drive the growth of these cancers, therapeutic strategies can be designed to improve outcomes for these patients.

This research effort has contributed key observations regarding the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in human glioblastomas, as combined radiation and alkylating chemotherapy temozolomide have become the standard-of-care for patients over the last decade.

This work has a track record of successful competitive peer-reviewed funding from the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation, the Brain Tumor Society, the National Brain Tumor Foundation, the James S. McDonnell Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Career Awards in the Medical Sciences.