Monica Alexander

I am a third year Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD student in Dr. Christopher Clarke's lab. My current work focuses on understanding the role of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) in the tumor immune microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Specifically, we are exploring the effects of nSMase2 on TNBC growth, vesicle release, signaling, and immune cell composition in vitro and in murine models. With my clinical co-mentor Dr. Jules Cohen, a breast cancer oncologist, we will explore how intrinsic nSMase2 in human breast cancer affects the efficacy of anti-PDL1 treatment in reducing tumor progression and metastasis.

Graduate Advisor: Dr. Chris Clarke
Clinical Mentor: Dr. Jules Cohen