Anamaria Zavala, Ph.D.

Summary: Our research studies how the DNA damage response is affected by mechanical challenges. The goal of this project is to develop a protocol to enhance repair and survival of healthy cells during cancer treatment using an exercise analog. The long-term goal of this research is to develop passive mechanical stimulation as a means to reduce the debilitating side effects of chemotherapeutic regimens.

Minimum Courses: N/A

Projects: We will look at how mechanical challenge mediates chemotherapy-associated DNA damage removal. The project will use many techniques including tissue culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, slot blot assays, qPCR, and immunoprecipitation.