Research Interests
Our research group is interested in the study of cancer genetic susceptibility and of cancer genomics in diverse populations. We use genetic, genomic and functional approaches to identify novel cancer-causing gene and mutations in human populations, to investigate the function of genetic variation associated with disease and to carry out pre-clinical studies aimed at developing better molecularly guided therapies. We are also interested in investigating somatic genetic pathways and clonal architecture of common cancer types. An important number of our studies focus on the genetics and epidemiology of cancer in Latinos, for which we have developed long-standing collaborations with researchers in Latin America and Europe. At the UC Davis School of Medicine, we are active members of our Comprehensive Cancer Center where I am the Associate Director for the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEAL) Office. At our cancer center I am also the Founder Director of the Center for Advancing Cancer Health Equity and the Latinos United for Cancer Health Advancement (LUCHA) Initiative. I am also the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Academic Diversity in the UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.