I have significant training in angiogenesis, cancer stem cell biology and cutting-edge technology for 3D organoid modeling of primary and metastatic tumors. I have extensive experience with the culture and biology of patient-derived cancer stem cells, as well as the molecular signaling that promotes tumor progression. In addition, I established a novel, ex vivo 3D system by which we can study the interactions and molecular crosstalk between tumor cells and miniature models of the human brain and lung. I have developed and executed numerous research projects, and have facilitated collaborations with pharmaceutical companies as well as intra-institutional investigators. Presently, I have over 18 years of research training in multiple tumor model systems including lung cancer, ovarian carcinoma, melanoma, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In addition, I previously served as the Director of the Starr Foundation Cerebral Organoid Translational Core at Weill Cornell Medicine, and am currently developing multiple organoid models in my role as Scientific Center Manager for the NCI Center for Cancer Systems Biology of Small Cell Lung Cancer at Vanderbilt University. I also served as the Core Leader for our U54 Center’s Outreach Core, and am committed to disseminating our research, models, and tools to the broader cancer systems biology community. Taken together, I believe that my leadership skills, as well as my expertise in vascular network formation and 3D organoid modeling, make me particularly well-suited to serve as a valued member of the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.