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Alejandra F

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Rutgers University

Expertise

Cancer Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Cancer Epigenetics

Bio

My name is Alejandra I. Ferrer. I completed my PhD in cancer biology, where I focused on cancer epigenetics and cancer stem cells. Did you know that one of the reasons why cancer patients relapse is due to the presence of cancer stem cells? These malignant stem cells are resistant to treatment and trick the immune system so they can survive for long periods. My interest as a cancer biologist is to understand how these cells behave and to decipher mechanisms in which we can potentially target them. Personal interests: Being a scientist is great! however, it is important to have hobbies outside of our work. I have a huge passion for the arts; I love to sing, dance, and paint. Also, I really like going for a nice hike and appreciate nature. I am a firm believer that science should be accessible to everyone! I am extremely passionate about mentoring and seeing students thrive.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Dormant cancer cells: The force awakens

Did you know that cancer cells undergo a process called dormancy to evade immune surveillance? Dormancy is a mechanism by which cancer cells are not actively undergoing the cell cycle process, allowing them to remain "asleep" within a patient's body. The major problem with dormant cancer cells is that once they "wake up", they are highly metastatic and are resistant to treatment. Are you interested in learning more about this topic while also doing a project that excites you? If so, I look forward to working with you. This project could be conducted in multiple ways: a scientific blog, a review article, a brief video, or a podcast.

On top of genetics- Epigenetics in cancer

Mutations within a cell are a driving force in cancer; however, it is not the only way a cell could become malignant. In this project, you will explore how epigenetic modifications (ie. DNA methylation or DNA oxidations) can facilitate cancer cell survival. This project could be conducted in multiple ways: a scientific blog, a review article, a brief video, or a podcast.

Languages I know

Spanish, Portuguese (beginner)

Teaching experience

I am currently a TA for the following graduate-level courses: Stem Cell Biology, Hematopoietic Stem Cell, Advanced Stem Cell seminar, and Cancer Stem Cell. In addition, I have mentored master's, undergraduate, and high school students in the lab. Most students had their independent projects and, at the end of their respective programs, they showcased their work in symposiums.

Credentials

Work experience

University of Puerto Rico-Cayey (2015 - 2017)
Research assistant
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (2016 - 2016)
Research Assistant
TheWell Bioscience (2023 - Current)
Scientist

Education

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Biology
Rutgers University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Cancer and Stem Cell Biology

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