Molecular Biology Lab

Dr. Erica Cassimere’s research interests focus on investigating the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulatory proteins that regulate breast cancer progression.  Specifically, she is investigating how a unique population of breast tumors, known as breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), plays a role in chemoresistance. Using in vitro cellular and molecular methodologies, she aims to identify biological targets that help maintain the stemness of CSCs as novel approaches to combat breast cancer. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation HBCU-UP Catalyst Award as well as the National Institutes of Health U54 Research Centers at Minority Institutions Pilot Project Program.